Rep: Nigeria needs optical research institute in each geopolitical zone

Victor Obuzor, a member of the house of representatives, says Nigeria needs a Federal Institute for Vision and Optical Research across the six geopolitical zones.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Monday, the sponsor of the bill to establish the institute in Rivers state, advocated for its replication across all zones.

The legislator said during the public hearing on the bill on March 25, stakeholders unanimously supported the proposed establishment of the institute.

“The house is delighted with the bill, and has asked that the institute, since it’s one of its kind, should be replicated in six geopolitical zones,” he said.

“As guardians of public health, we must address the escalating prevalence of vision impairment, particularly in underserved communities.”

In 2020, an estimated 24 million people were living with vision loss, 1.3 million were blind, and an additional 50 million had non-vision-impairing eye conditions requiring basic eye care services.

The lawmaker said the proposed institute “represents a crucial step towards mitigating this growing public health challenge and ensuring a brighter future” for Nigerians.

Speaking on a separate bill to establish the Federal College of Optometry for the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates in optometry and related courses, Obuzor said a healthy nation facilitates growth.

“This is why governments all over the world, including Nigeria, continue to fund health-related infrastructure as well as basic health and eye care services to ensure that health sector objectives are actualised,” he said.

“The impact of optometric care is growing worldwide and countries have devoted huge resources towards the development of infrastructure and human capital to ensure that this vital organ of the human body is given its pride of place; because without the eyes, life and living would be difficult.”

Obuzor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represents Ahoada west/Ogba Egbema federal constituency of Rivers.