2025 WORLD SIGHT DAY PRESS BRIEFING
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, esteemed colleagues, senior colleagues, interns, members, and Fellows of the Nigerian Optometric Association,
Today, October 9, 2025, we celebrate World Sight Day. This global event highlights the importance of eye health and vision care.
As the Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Edo State Chapter, I, Dr. Charles Eguavoen, am honored to lead this effort. This year’s theme is “Love Your Eyes.” It reminds us to take care of our eyes, especially at work.
Our eyes are very important. They help us navigate the world, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. We must take care of them.
Our Fight Against Quackery
We are working hard to stop quackery and unregistered practice in eye care. We collaborate with regulatory bodies to identify and address cases of unqualified individuals providing eye care services. I thank the Edo State Ministry of Health for their cooperation.
Our Stand on Free Treatment and Glasses
We offer free eye screenings and awareness programs. Our approach to free treatment and glasses is tailored to specific initiatives and partnerships. We aim to provide quality and affordable eye care services to all, especially in rural areas.
Appreciation and Requests
We appreciate:
– Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for employing 18 optometrists and deploying them to rural areas. We request that you consider absorbing more intern optometrists, especially in rural areas, and employing optometrists in primary health centers across Edo State.
– Edo State Commissioner of Health for his cooperation in stopping quackery and unregistered practice in eye care.
– The Chief Medical Directors of Edo State University Teaching Hospital Auchi and National Orthopaedic Hospital Benin City for recruiting optometrists. We appeal to them to consider recruiting more optometrists and intern optometrists.
– We also appeal to the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to resume recruitment of optometry interns.
Congratulations
I congratulate Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu on her appointment as the new Chief Medical Director of UBTH. We look forward to working with her to promote eye health and vision care in Edo State.
Call to Action
Let’s 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.
Thank you.
Dr. Charles Eguavoen
Chairman, Nigerian Optometric Association, Edo State Chapter
