Delta Intensifies Eye-Care Campaign, Trains 232 PHC Workers

The Delta State Government has intensified efforts to improve access to quality eye-care services across the state, with the training of more than 232 Primary Health Care (PHC) workers across 75 centres to provide basic eye-care services.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this in a statewide broadcast to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, celebrated 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.

He said the initiative had equipped the trained PHC workers to identify eye problems early and make appropriate referrals for further treatment.

According to him, eye-care services are currently available at Asaba Specialist Hospital; Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara; Central Hospitals in Warri, Agbor, Ughelli and Sapele; and General Hospitals in Okwe and Ogwashi-Uku.

He added that the government had recently upgraded the Eye Clinic at General Hospital, Ibusa, while dispensing opticians had been recruited into the state health workforce to improve access to specialised eye-care services.

The commissioner further disclosed that the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) had provided free reading glasses, while 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.

Onojaeme said road walks, public awareness campaigns and media activities would be held simultaneously across the three senatorial districts as part of efforts to educate residents on eye health and encourage early presentation for treatment.

He warned Deltans against self-medication and the use of traditional preparations, herbs or unprescribed substances in treating eye conditions, stressing that such practices could cause serious and irreversible damage to vision.

The commissioner said: “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.”

Onojaeme commended ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, dispensing opticians and other healthcare workers for their dedication, saying Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained committed to providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to residents.

He urged Deltans to make eye health a shared responsibility, stressing that early detection and treatment could prevent unnecessary loss of sight.