Joseph Bakare
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, has pointed out that vision health is deeply connected to the effectiveness of policing, as the Nigeria Police Force relies on their sight to carry out critical duties
He stated this during the flag-off of the free eye tests and glasses to the staff of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) organised by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board (ODORBN) in conjunction with the Federal Ministries of Health and Police Affairs held at the Headquarters of the Ministry, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that reading and analysing reports, identifying details in investigations, and maintaining vigilance in public safety operations are core duties for effective policing.
He added that the Ministry of Police Affairs is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that officers, staff, and indeed all Nigerians, benefit from policies and interventions that make eye care accessible and affordable.
According to him, “Protecting their eyesight, therefore, is protecting their ability to serve the nation. This is why we welcome the collaboration with (ODORBN) and the Federal Ministry of Health in promoting awareness, providing eye screenings, and integrating eye care into workplace wellness programmes.
He said the partnership is a testament to the fact that issues of eye health are not the sole concern of medical professionals alone, but are matters of national well-being that affect all sectors, including security and law enforcement.
In his words,” Eye health is often taken for granted until challenges arise. Yet, studies show that most visual impairments are preventable or treatable if detected early. Simple interventions such as routine eye checks, the use of corrective lenses, or timely surgical care for conditions like cataracts can restore productivity, independence, and quality of life”.
Dr. Anuma expressed that Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating World Sight Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes: Vision for All,” is particularly significant, as it emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, profession, or background, enjoys the priceless gift of good vision.
The Permanent Secretary posited that access to quality eye care should not be a privilege for a few but a right for all Nigerians. The call for “Vision for All” aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of universal health coverage and inclusive wellbeing.
The Deputy Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board (ODORBN), Dr. Igbo Okafor, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the ministry that supports the initiative aimed at preventing blindness and vision impairment among Nigerians by detecting refractive errors.
The event was marked in conjunction with the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and emphasizes the registrar’s commitment to standards and ensuring Nigerians do not go blind, expressing confidence in the services provided by their esteemed partners.
He said the Optometrists Board regulates facilities to ensure quality care, and he encourages attendees to get better quality glasses, mentioning the benefits of blue-coat lenses for protection against various light sources.