The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a dedicated Eye Care Committee as part of a renewed push to combat avoidable blindness and strengthen access to quality vision services across the nation’s capital.
The initiative, driven by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, is designed to deliver a coordinated response to the growing burden of visual impairment, particularly in underserved and rural communities within the six Area Councils.
The committee was formally inaugurated at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Area 11, Garki, with top health officials and stakeholders in attendance. Representing the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Director of the FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama, underscored the committee’s core mandate—integrating eye care services into the Primary Health Care (PHC) system.
According to him, this approach will decentralize eye care delivery, making screenings and treatment more accessible to residents who would otherwise travel long distances to specialist facilities.
In her remarks, Dr. Fasawe described vision as a critical component of public health and human dignity, stressing the urgency of addressing untreated eye conditions ranging from refractive errors in children to vision loss among adults.
She noted that the committee has been tasked with providing strategic leadership, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and ensuring equitable access to eye care services.
“Vision is a fundamental right, not a luxury. By establishing this committee, we are launching a systematic attack on preventable blindness, including cataracts and glaucoma, which significantly impact the productivity of our citizens,” she stated.
Dr. Fasawe further challenged members of the committee to adopt bold and innovative approaches, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no resident suffers avoidable vision loss.
Also speaking, the Head of the Disease Control Division, Dr. Ngozi Ebisike, highlighted the broader social and economic implications of visual impairment, noting that it affects not just individuals but families and communities at large.
She described the composition of the committee as a reflection of professional competence and commitment, urging members to work collaboratively to achieve measurable improvements in eye health outcomes.
Chairman of the committee and Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist at Kubwa General Hospital, Dr. Lasisi Akinola, called for strong partnerships and sustained stakeholder support to drive meaningful change in eye care delivery across the FCT.
He assured that the committee would work to ensure that all residents—regardless of socioeconomic status—have access to quality eye care services.
“Our goal is to bring light, clarity, and hope to residents by eliminating preventable blindness in the FCT,” Akinola said.
Abuja Times reports that the committee comprises medical experts, public health professionals, development partners, and policy planners, all committed to improving eye health and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the territory.