Oyo launches N3bn SightQuest programme to tackle avoidable blindness

A major milestone in the fight against avoidable blindness was recorded in Oyo State on Tuesday as government officials, development partners, and health stakeholders launched the CBM SightQuest Nigeria Oyo State Project, an initiative to strengthen eye health services and expand access to quality eye care across the state.

Speaking at the launch in Ibadan, representative of Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Dr Babar Qureshi, described the programme as a landmark achievement in inclusive healthcare and a strong example of public-private partnership in Nigeria’s health sector.

He commended the Oyo State Government, particularly the Commissioner for Health, for taking ownership of the initiative and mobilising partners toward the shared goal of eliminating avoidable blindness.

Qureshi said the programme is part of a 10-year nationwide SightQuest initiative funded by CBM to address avoidable blindness and refractive errors affecting millions of Nigerians. He disclosed that CBM has committed N25 billion across 14 states, with N3 billion allocated to Oyo State.

He said that the investment will expand cataract surgery services, improve access to refractive care, strengthen referral systems, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance service delivery at primary and secondary levels.

Qureshi explained that CBM will also invest N200 million in secondary eye care centres and N100 million in vision centres to support capacity building and equipment provision.

He added that the programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Eleta Eye Institute, Al-Basar International Foundation, and the Oyo State Ministry of Health to strengthen the eye health system.

READ ALSO: Maternal mortality: 5, 000 pregnant women receive free delivery kits in Oyo

The Secretary-General of Al-Basar International Foundation, Dr Al-Rushood Abdulaziz, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to Nigeria, describing it as a key partner in its global mission to eliminate avoidable blindness.

He stressed that no one should suffer blindness from preventable or treatable conditions, adding: “This responsibility belongs to all of us.”

Inclusive Eye Health Adviser, Dr Kolawole Ogundimu, said SightQuest aims to significantly increase cataract coverage and strengthen eye health systems across 14 states, stating that Nigeria still has between 1.3 and 1.5 million blind people, with cataract remaining the leading cause.

He warned that fragmented approaches to eye care can no longer address the scale of the problem, calling for stronger partnerships and system-wide interventions.

Pioneer Professor of Ophthalmology, Prof. Oyin Olurin, urged renewed commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness, noting that poverty, disability, distance, and lack of awareness continue to limit access to eye care.

She said the theme “Restoring Sight, Transforming Lives” reflects the reality that eye care restores dignity, independence, and productivity, not just vision.

Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the project as a collective movement to restore sight and hope, not just a health programme.

She highlighted government efforts, including eye screening outreaches, distribution of reading glasses, and the establishment of Eye Health Desk Officers across all 33 LGAs. She also emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and data-driven implementation.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the HelpMeSee Simulation-Based Cataract Surgery Training Centre at Eleta Eye Institute, described by Dr. Gboyega Ajayi, CEO of Eleta Eye Institute, as a “game-changing innovation” for surgical training.

He said simulation training will allow surgeons to perfect skills before operating on patients, improving safety and outcomes while producing highly skilled cataract surgeons.

Ajayi added that improved surgical confidence will encourage early care-seeking and improve detection of other conditions like glaucoma, which he described as a silent cause of irreversible blindness. He also warned against self-medication and stressed the importance of regular eye checks for early detection.