ICEE launches initiative in Nigeria

Federal Capital Territory and Zamfara State, Nigeria-The International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) has launched a new eye-care initiative in Nigeria with the goal of reducing the prevalence of avoidable blindness, visual impairment, and eye disease by 50% over the next 4 years. The initiative, called “Seeing is Believing,” has been launched across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Zamfara State.

The initiative is a collaboration between ICEE, Sightsavers, and the respective Ministries of Health, with participation from local community leaders. It will deliver accessible and affordable eye care provision for underserved communities in FCT and Zamfara. Over time, the program, sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable eye-care system as an integral part of the state’s health system.

The program will include both optometric and ophthalmic services, such as eye examinations, spectacle fitting, and cataract surgery. The program aims to train local personnel to work in newly equipped facilities, combining their local awareness and new vision care skills to improve the quality of life greatly in their local communities.

The project will be implemented in Bwari, Kuje, and Karu (in Abuja in the FCT) and Gusau and Kaura Namoda (in Zamfara State), covering an estimated combined population of 3.25 million.