In commemoration of World Sight Day, an annual global observance dedicated to raising awareness, a call has been made to encourage individuals to prioritise their eye health and the need for governments and relevant authorities to invest more in accessible and affordable eye-care services. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people in Africa live with vision loss that could have been prevented or treated, while uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts remain leading causes of vision loss in the African Region. 

WHO stated that only about thirty percent of people who need spectacles in Africa receive appropriate correction, while effective cataract surgical coverage is estimated at about twenty-four percent. An optician Dr. Timi Ojiabo called on individuals to take their eye health seriously by going for regular eye checks, seek professional attention when they notice changes in their vision, and avoid practices that could damage their eyes. She noted that a good vision is not a luxury but essential to learning, working, living independently and enjoying life.

Dr. Ojiabo, who noted that protecting sight means protecting the future of citizens and the nation, called on governments, health authorities and communities to ensure that quality eye-care services are available, affordable and accessible, particularly to children, vulnerable families and older people. According to her, the consequences go beyond the eyes if neglected as a child who cannot see clearly will struggle to read or perform well in school as well as an adult with untreated vision problems will find it difficult to work and earn a living. She also asserted that an elderly person suffering avoidable sight loss
may lose independence and become increasingly dependent on others. 

Dr. Ojiabo, who called for more awareness, advised people to love their eyes, check their sight, seek care when necessary and help others to see clearly. This year's theme is "Love your eye, protect your future".