Nigeria faces high rates of avoidable blindness and corneal shortages

Nigeria is facing a significant burden of avoidable blindness, with reports indicating millions of citizens are affected. The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) stated that over two million people suffer from avoidable blindness, primarily caused by cataracts, noting that current cataract surgical rates are insufficient to reduce this burden significantly.

To address corneal blindness, which affects approximately 3.64 million Nigerians, the Eye Bank for Restoring Sight has launched an appeal for cornea donations after death. The NGO reported that more than 200 patients are currently awaiting corneal transplants. To support this initiative, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has been appointed as the organization’s brand ambassador to promote donation and transplantation.

Efforts to improve eye care include the establishment of simulation centres in Lagos and Ibadan to enhance surgical skills, as well as the expansion of eye care integration into primary healthcare across 21 states. The OSN is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence and tele-screening to reach underserved rural and urban populations.