Nigeria screened no fewer than 1.5 million people for visual impairment in 2025, according to the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025, highlighting expanded access to eye care services nationwide.
The report, made available to reporters on Wednesday in Abuja, was produced in compliance with the National Health Act, which mandates periodic assessment of the country’s health sector performance.
It also revealed that more than one million free reading glasses were distributed nationwide in 2025 as part of government-led initiatives aimed at improving access to essential eye care services.
The report noted that many beneficiaries received corrective lenses for the first time, indicating progress in reaching underserved populations and improving vision care access among low-income and rural communities nationwide.
According to the report, the expansion followed the full internationalization of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme, which officially commenced nationwide implementation in 2025 to strengthen integrated sensory health services.
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It stated that governance and coordination structures were activated across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, enabling a nationwide scale-up of eye and sensory health services within public healthcare systems.
The report said clinical eye care services also improved during the year, with several thousand free cataract surgeries conducted nationwide, particularly targeting rural communities and populations with limited access.
It added that more than 2,000 primary healthcare workers were trained nationwide to provide basic eye care services, detect common eye conditions early, and strengthen referral systems to specialized facilities.
The report further highlighted the adoption of digital health tools, including electronic screening applications and referral-tracking systems, designed to improve patient follow-up, data management, and service coordination nationwide.
It explained that the progress followed the launch of the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan, which provides a framework for integrating comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare delivery systems nationwide.
The report also noted that Nigeria is expanding services to address ear and other sensory impairments, targeting an estimated 30 million citizens living with various forms of disability.
According to the report, the interventions form part of broader national efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and sensory impairment, while improving learning outcomes, productivity, and overall quality of life.
The report added that the State of Health of the Nation Report provides an annual assessment of Nigeria’s health sector performance, highlighting progress, challenges, and priority actions across key health programmes nationwide.
