The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nnia, has emphasized that vision health plays a critical role in the effectiveness of policing across Nigeria.
He stated this during the official flag-off of free eye tests and the distribution of corrective glasses to staff of the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Abuja.
The initiative, held at the Ministry’s headquarters at the Federal Secretariat, was organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) in partnership with the Federal Ministries of Health and Police Affairs.
According to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Dr. Anuma said clear vision is vital for officers to read reports, identify investigative details, and maintain alertness during operations.
He explained that sight is central to effective decision-making and situational awareness, making eye care an essential aspect of law enforcement wellness.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that police officers and ministry staff benefit from initiatives that make eye care both accessible and affordable.
“Protecting their eyesight is protecting their ability to serve the nation,” Dr. Anuma stated. “This is why we value our partnership with ODORBN and the Federal Ministry of Health to promote awareness, conduct screenings, and integrate eye care into workplace wellness programmes.”
He noted that the collaboration reflects the recognition that vision health is not just a medical matter but a national concern that affects every sector, including security and public safety.
Dr. Anuma also cautioned that eye health is often taken for granted until problems arise, emphasizing that most visual impairments are preventable or treatable if detected early.
He added that simple interventions such as routine eye checks, corrective lenses, or timely surgery for cataracts can restore productivity, independence, and quality of life.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Dr. Anuma said Nigeria’s participation in World Sight Day 2025 aligns with the global call for universal access to vision care.
He said this year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes: Vision for All,” underscores the need for collective responsibility in ensuring that everyone, regardless of social or professional background, enjoys the gift of good sight.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that quality eye care should be a right, not a privilege, and that the Federal Government remains committed to universal health coverage and inclusive well-being for all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Igbo Okafor, commended the partnership with the Ministry.
He said the initiative would help prevent blindness and vision impairment by detecting refractive errors early and providing timely interventions.
Dr. Okafor reaffirmed the board’s commitment to upholding high professional standards and ensuring that optometry facilities nationwide deliver quality care.
He also advised participants to adopt regular eye examinations and to use high-quality lenses, noting that blue-coated glasses help protect against harmful light exposure.
The event was held in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), underscoring Nigeria’s continued commitment to global efforts aimed at preventing avoidable blindness and promoting vision wellness.
