The wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Maudline Nwifuru, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art eye centre at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on Thursday. The facility is set to provide advanced eye care services to residents and is part of her ongoing efforts through her health-focused initiative, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Displaced Persons (BERWO).
During the launch, Mrs. Nwifuru emphasized the significance of the centre, describing it as a beacon of excellence aimed at addressing eye health challenges in the region. “Today marks the beginning of free eye cleaning treatments, in collaboration with my project. Through this initiative, we aim to reach those in dire need of care,” she stated, underscoring the centre’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality health services.
She added, “May this centre stand as a testament to our dedication to the health and well-being of our people.”
In his address, Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of the university, outlined the centre’s primary functions, which include research and development in eye diseases, in addition to providing superior eye care services. He noted that cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are among the leading causes of vision impairment globally but highlighted that other conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, also contribute significantly to visual impairment.
“The eye centre is a world-class institution for research, training, and patient care. It operates with a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to advancing knowledge in eye care and offering treatment for a range of eye conditions,” Professor Uneke remarked.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at least one billion people worldwide suffer from preventable or untreated vision impairments. In Nigeria, an estimated 24 million people are affected by sight loss, with 4.2% of individuals aged 40 and older experiencing blindness, according to the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey.
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, also praised the establishment of the eye centre. He reiterated that the university is on track to become a leading institution in medical research and training. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing education in the country.
Addressing concerns over the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs, Dr. Shittu urged Nigerians to support telecom providers during the challenging period.
The event marks a significant step in improving healthcare infrastructure in the region, particularly in the area of eye health. The centre is expected to serve as a critical resource for research, treatment, and training in ophthalmology.
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