The Global Blindness Crisis: Over 1 Billion People at Risk by 2025

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has predicted a severe global blindness crisis, with over 1 billion people at risk of blindness by 2025. This prediction raises concerns about the impact on productivity, national growth, and family life if adequate interventions are not implemented soon.

According to the NOA, poor outdoor activities and prolonged near work activities such as using computers, telephones, TVs, laptops, and eye pads are major contributing factors to eye and vision problems. The association emphasizes the need for individuals, especially children, to engage in healthier outdoor activities and reduce prolonged near work to prevent potential vision impairments.

A key concern highlighted in the NOA's communiqué is the inadequate state of primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria. With over 80% of the country's 6,000 optometrists practicing in the private sector, accessibility to eye care services becomes a significant challenge. The association urges the government to prioritize the health sector, particularly primary healthcare, and provide the necessary resources and equipment to deliver efficient eye care services.

The NOA is particularly dismayed by the excessive taxation of healthcare equipment by customs, which hampers the delivery of essential eye care services. They call on the government to pay compelling attention to the health sector, ensuring a conducive environment for people to access quality and efficient eye care services.

Underscoring the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams, the NOA believes that a single examination conducted by an optometrist can lead to the early detection of eye and health problems such as glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other critical conditions. Early intervention can prevent the progression of these issues and mitigate adverse effects on individuals' physical and social activities.

The consequences of vision loss extend beyond physical impairments. The NOA highlights the impact on cognitive function, emphasizing that impaired vision changes the way people live and decreases their participation in daily activities. This decline in physical and social engagement can subsequently affect brain function and lead to cognitive decline.

The former president of the NOA, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, also expressed concerns about the state of the economy and security in Nigeria. He urged the government to address the immediate and remote causes of these problems and find lasting solutions for the welfare and peace in affected areas.

As the global blindness crisis looms, urgent interventions are required to prevent the projected loss of vision for over 1 billion people by 2025. The NOA's call for increased investment in primary healthcare, improved accessibility to eye care services, and public awareness of the importance of eye health serves as a wake-up call for governments and individuals worldwide.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-25 News

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