FG Promises 5 Million Free Glasses, 25,000 Cataract Surgeries
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
The Federal Government says it will provide at least five million free pairs of spectacles and perform 25,000 free cataract surgeries nationwide by the end of 2027 as it expands the Jigi-Bola eye care initiative to improve access to vision care.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the plan while opening the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He said the expansion builds on progress already recorded under the programme, which has screened nearly two million Nigerians and provided more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with about 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
Salako said more than 2,220 primary healthcare workers in 16 states have been trained to conduct vision screening and refer patients for treatment. He added that the government is implementing the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), which integrates eye care into all levels of healthcare, introduces the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit, and strengthens glaucoma management through the training of ophthalmologists from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Studies have shown that for every one dollar invested in global eye care, there is a return of between 28 and 36 dollars through the prevention of vision loss, improved quality of life, reduced burden on the healthcare system and increased productivity,” Salako said.
He described optometrists as the frontline of community eye care and said the ministry would continue working with the Nigerian Optometric Association to strengthen community eye care services, promote research and improve the integration of optometric services into the country’s healthcare system. “As we look ahead, the ministry remains fully committed to collaborating with the Nigerian Optometric Association to make universal eye health a reality in Nigeria,” he said.
Salako also congratulated the association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the council’s president-elect, describing both as milestones for Nigeria’s eye care profession.
The developments were contained in a statement issued on July 30, 2026, by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.