The House of Representatives is pushing for the creation of Federal Institutes for Vision and Optical Research across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to address the country’s growing vision impairment crisis.
Victor Obuzor, a lawmaker representing Ahoada West/Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency, disclosed this at the National Assembly in Abuja. He noted that the initiative gained widespread support following a recent public hearing on a bill proposing the establishment of such an institute in Rivers State.
Citing the urgency of the matter, Obuzor highlighted statistics showing that over 50 million Nigerians suffer from visual impairments, with more than seven million already blind. He warned that without immediate intervention, these figures could double by 2050.
In addition to the research institute proposal, Obuzor is championing a bill to establish a Federal College of Optometry, which would train professionals in optometry and related fields. He stressed the need for increased government investment in eye care, noting that other nations have prioritised vision health to improve quality of life.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed confidence that if passed into law, these bills would significantly enhance research, professional training, and specialised eye care services across the country.
