The Delta State Government has intensified its eye-care campaign by training 232 Primary Health Care (PHC) workers across 75 centres to provide basic eye-care services and improve early detection of vision problems across the state.
Key Highlights
- Delta trains 232 PHC workers to provide basic eye-care services.
- The workers are deployed across 75 Primary Health Care centres.
- Training is part of efforts to improve early detection and referral of eye conditions.
- Delta is implementing the Jigibola 2.0 Programme with federal and development partners.
- More than 500 free cataract surgeries have been supported since April 2026.
- Free reading glasses have also been provided through the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
- Government warns residents against self-medication and unprescribed eye treatments.
Delta Expands Eye-Care Services
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed the development in a statewide broadcast to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October.
This year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes… Every Story Counts!”, focuses on promoting eye health, encouraging early detection and treatment of avoidable visual impairment, and addressing myths and stigma associated with eye conditions and the use of spectacles.
Onojaeme said the state government, in collaboration with the National Eye, Ear and Other Sensory Functions Programme (NESHP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, was strengthening eye-care services through the Jigibola 2.0 Programme.
232 PHC Workers Receive Eye-Care Training
According to the commissioner, the trained PHC workers have been equipped to identify common eye problems early and refer patients to appropriate health facilities and eye-care professionals for further treatment.
The initiative is expected to bring basic eye-care services closer to residents, particularly those who may face challenges accessing specialised eye hospitals.
The state government currently provides eye-care services at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, and Central Hospitals in Warri, Agbor, Ughelli and Sapele.
Eye-care services are also available at General Hospitals in Okwe and Ogwashi-Uku.
Delta Upgrades Eye Clinic, Expands Specialist Services
Onojaeme disclosed that the government had recently upgraded the Eye Clinic at General Hospital, Ibusa, as part of efforts to strengthen access to specialised eye-care services.
He added that dispensing opticians had also been recruited into the state health workforce to improve the availability of eye-care professionals.
The commissioner said the measures were designed to complement existing ophthalmology and optometry services across the state.
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Over 500 Free Cataract Surgeries Supported
The Delta Government is also working with development partners to expand access to eye-care interventions.
Onojaeme said the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) had provided free reading glasses to beneficiaries across the state.
He added that the Vision Care for Development Foundation (VCDF), through its 10-year partnership with the Ministry of Health, had supported more than 500 free cataract surgeries since April 2026.
The interventions are aimed at reducing avoidable visual impairment and helping residents access treatment for common eye conditions.
Delta Plans Eye Health Awareness Campaign
As part of the World Sight Day activities, the state government will organise road walks, public awareness campaigns and media engagements across the three senatorial districts.
The activities are expected to educate residents about eye health, encourage early presentation for treatment and promote healthier practices that can protect vision.
Onojaeme warned residents against self-medication and the use of traditional preparations, herbs or other unprescribed substances to treat eye problems.
He said such practices could cause serious and potentially irreversible damage to eyesight.
“To every Deltan, my message is simple: Love your eyes, protect your sight and seek help early.
“Whenever you experience an eye problem, please visit the nearest government hospital or a qualified eye-care professional,” he said.
Commissioner Urges Residents to Protect Their Sight
Onojaeme commended ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, dispensing opticians and other healthcare workers for their dedication to improving eye health across Delta State.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained committed to providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services to residents.
The commissioner urged Deltans to treat eye health as a shared responsibility, stressing that early detection and appropriate treatment can help prevent avoidable loss of sight.
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