As Delta State joined the global community on Thursday to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, the state government reaffirmed the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly access to quality eye-health services across the state.
The World Sight Day, observed globally to draw attention to the importance of eye care and the challenges of blindness and vision impairment, was marked in Delta with free eye screening, public enlightenment and an awareness walk in Asaba.
The event, organised by the Delta State Ministry of Health through the State Eye Health Committee in collaboration with partners, was held under the theme, “Love Your Eyes: Every Story Counts.”
The awareness walk, which commenced from the Delta State Secretariat to the Roundabout in Asaba, was used to sensitise residents on the importance of protecting their eyesight, undergoing regular eye checks and seeking timely professional care.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry and President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, said the Oborevwori administration had continued to support the expansion of eye-health services across the state.
He said the state had strengthened access to eye care through various health facilities, including specialised and secondary healthcare institutions.
“We also have eye care services at Central Hospital, Warri, Central Hospital, Ughelli, Government Hospital, Ibusa, and other hospitals across the state.
“The Governor has continuously supported eye health, and this is also one of his major areas of support for us.”
As part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, had earlier delivered a statewide broadcast in which he raised awareness on the importance of regular eye care, early detection and prompt treatment of vision-related conditions.
He urged Deltans to prioritise their eye health, undergo routine eye examinations and seek professional medical attention whenever they notice changes in their vision, stressing the need for collective action to prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment.
The Chairman of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Dr. Aghogho Benedicta, said many cases of vision loss could be prevented through early presentation, proper diagnosis and appropriate management of eye conditions.
She urged residents to make regular eye screening a priority and take personal responsibility for protecting their vision.
“You must prioritise your vision and take responsibility for ensuring that your eyesight is protected. This can only be achieved through regular eye screening.
“We therefore advise members of the public to see eye-care professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists.
There are also ophthalmic nurses and dispensing opticians who can provide proper and appropriate prescription glasses,” she said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the State Eye Health Committee, Dr. Gloria Mok, emphasized the significance of the sensitization exercise which she said was part of activities to mark the World Sight Day in the State.
She urged residents across Delta State to take advantage of the available eye-care services by visiting designated health facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; Central Hospital, Warri; Central Hospital, Ughelli; General Hospital, Sapele; Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara; Asaba Specialist Hospital; Secretariat Clinic; General Hospital, Okwe; General Hospital, Ibusa; General Hospital, Ogwashi-Uku; and General Hospital, Kwale, for comprehensive eye checks and professional eye-care services.
She stressed that regular eye examinations and early detection of vision problems were essential to preserving healthy sight, preventing avoidable visual impairment and ensuring timely access to appropriate treatment and care.
Dr. Mok said, “These are places you can visit today and have your eyes tested for free. The Delta State Government is working in partnership with implementing partners to provide these services.”
She further disclosed that free cataract surgeries were being conducted with the support of the Vision Care Development Foundation, noting that more than 500 such surgeries had been performed since April.
She said residents identified during the community outreach would also be enlisted for free cataract surgery.
Dr. Mok urged residents to take advantage of the free screening services and seek professional care whenever they notice changes in their vision, stressing that early detection and appropriate treatment remained critical to preventing avoidable blindness.
