10/10/2025
World Sight Day 2025: NOA Edo Chapter Calls for Greater Commitment to Eye Health, Commends Governor Okpebholo
As part of activities marking World Sight Day 2025, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Edo State Chapter, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the global event, which emphasizes the importance of eye health and vision care.
Speaking during the event in Benin City, the Chairman of the Edo State Chapter, Dr. Charles Eguavoen, reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting eye health and fighting avoidable blindness across the state.
Dr. Eguavoen said this year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes,” serves as a reminder for everyone to take proper care of their eyes, particularly in workplaces where vision safety is often overlooked.
“Our eyes are very important. They help us navigate the world, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. We must take care of them,” he stated.
He emphasized the association’s ongoing efforts to eliminate quackery and unregistered practices in the eye care sector. He noted that the association continues to collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies and the Edo State Ministry of Health to identify and sanction unqualified individuals who offer illegal eye care services. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its strong cooperation and support in this regard.
Dr. Eguavoen highlighted that the Edo Chapter of the NOA remains committed to providing free eye screenings, treatment, and awareness programs, particularly through strategic partnerships and community outreach initiatives. He stressed that these programs aim to make eye care accessible, affordable, and of high quality, especially for residents in rural and underserved communities.
The Chairman commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for employing 18 optometrists and deploying them to rural areas across the state. He, however, appealed for the absorption of more intern optometrists and the employment of additional optometrists in primary health centers to further strengthen the state’s eye care delivery system.
He also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Commissioner for Health for his continuous collaboration in curbing illegal practices, and to the Chief Medical Directors of Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, for recruiting optometrists into their facilities. Dr. Eguavoen further appealed to the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to resume the recruitment of optometry interns to help build capacity in the profession.
He congratulated Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu on her appointment as the new Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), expressing optimism that her leadership would further enhance collaboration in advancing eye health and vision care in Edo State.
Dr. Eguavoen concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to promote eye health awareness, provide quality eye care services, and reduce avoidable blindness.
“By prioritizing eye health, we can make a significant impact in our communities,” he stated.
The Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association reaffirmed its dedication to public enlightenment, professional excellence, and the delivery of accessible vision care to all citizens of Edo State.
