David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu (DUFUHS), says no fewer than 24 million Nigerians currently suffer from sight loss. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jesse Uneke, disclosed this during a media briefing on the institution’s Ultramodern Eye Centre and Institute for Eye Health, Visual Sciences Research (Invest). The event took place on Thursday in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Survey Shows Rising Blindness Among Nigerians
According to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, about 4.2% of Nigerians aged 40 and above are blind. Prof. Uneke further explained that over 4.25 million adults within this age group face moderate to severe visual impairment, highlighting a growing public health concern across the country.
Preventable Causes Dominate Blindness Cases
The vice-chancellor stressed that 84% of blindness cases in Nigeria are preventable. He identified cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors as the leading causes, while glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, infections, and trauma also contribute significantly. He urged Nigerians to embrace regular eye checks and affordable treatments.
Sight Loss Linked To Age And Literacy
Uneke noted that blindness in Nigeria is strongly linked to increasing age, gender, and literacy levels. Older adults, women, and those with poor literacy are disproportionately affected. Limited access to basic eye care services in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria worsens the situation, particularly in rural communities.
University Establishes Ultramodern Eye Centre
To tackle the crisis, DUFUHS, with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has established the Ultramodern Eye Centre and IEHVSR. The facility is designed to provide state-of-the-art research, training, and patient care while strengthening Nigeria’s response to rising cases of visual impairment.
Over 2,400 Patients Receive Free Care
Through its Free Eye Care Initiative, the university has already treated 2,412 patients since February 2025. This includes more than 1,300 people with refractive errors, over 600 with cataracts, and the distribution of 1,000 eyeglasses. Beneficiaries comprised 918 men, 1,302 women, and 192 children, underscoring DUFUHS’s community development mandate.
