As part of activities marking World Sight Day 2025, the Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) and international NGO Sightsavers, has provided free eye screening to no fewer than 300 civil servants and students in Ilorin.
The initiative, aimed at promoting eye health awareness and detecting early signs of preventable blindness, aligns with this year’s global theme: “Love Your Eyes.”
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Sa’ad Hamdalat, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Kwarans have access to quality and affordable eye care services.
“This year’s celebration is focused on raising global awareness about the importance of eye health and the need for regular eye check-ups,” the statement read.
Eye Health a Growing Concern
The Ministry described World Sight Day as a global health event dedicated to promoting vision care and reducing cases of avoidable blindness, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
It noted that vision impairment and eye-related illnesses are increasingly becoming a concern due to Aging populations, Unhealthy lifestyles and Environmental factors, including screen overexposure and urban pollution
Dr. El-Imam emphasized the critical role of vision in daily life and productivity, urging citizens to take proactive measures such as regular screenings and lifestyle changes to protect their sight.
Kwara’s Commitment to Vision Health
The eye screening program in Ilorin is one of several initiatives undertaken by the Kwara State Government to support the national and global fight against preventable blindness in Nigeria.
The free screening provided beneficiaries with Vision tests, Referrals for further treatment (where needed) and Eye health education and counseling
The collaboration with Sightsavers and UITH also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering sustainable healthcare solutions at the grassroots level.
About World Sight Day
Observed every second Thursday in October, World Sight Day is an initiative of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). It serves as a platform to:
- Raise awareness about vision impairment
- Promote regular eye check-ups
- Advocate for inclusive, accessible, and affordable eye care services
The global call to action—#LoveYourEyes—encourages individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize eye health as a public health issue.
