The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing preventable blindness and improving access to quality eye care services across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, made this known in a message marking the 2026 World Sight Day, scheduled for October 8 with the theme, “Love Your Eyes.”
Ba’amlong said the theme highlights the importance of good vision to education, employment, communication, mobility, productivity and overall quality of life.
He urged residents to take proactive steps to protect their eyesight and seek professional medical attention whenever they notice changes in their vision.
According to the commissioner, untreated eye conditions can affect individuals and families in significant ways. He noted that children with poor vision may struggle academically, while farmers, artisans and other workers could face safety and productivity challenges.
Ba’amlong said the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang would continue to strengthen eye health services and expand access to care across Plateau State, irrespective of residents’ age, location, gender or economic status.
He said the government was working towards an eye health system capable of providing appropriate services to people across the state.
The commissioner added that eye care would continue to be integrated into the broader healthcare system through stronger referral networks, public awareness programmes and increased emphasis on early detection and treatment.
He also highlighted the importance of reaching underserved and hard-to-access communities, stressing that sustainable eye care requires coordinated programmes rather than isolated interventions.
Ba’amlong acknowledged the contributions of development partners, non-governmental organisations, health workers, traditional and religious institutions, schools and community groups to eye health initiatives in the state.
He said their support had contributed to improvements in public awareness, screening, equipment, professional training and access to eye care services, while urging stakeholders to maintain the collaboration.
The commissioner encouraged parents and caregivers to pay close attention to changes in children’s vision and advised workers to take precautions against workplace hazards that could damage their eyes.
He also urged older residents not to assume that declining eyesight is simply a normal consequence of ageing, encouraging them to undergo professional eye examinations when necessary.
Community leaders, teachers and religious leaders were also asked to promote reliable information about eye health and discourage practices that could put people’s vision at risk.
Ba’amlong stressed the importance of seeking treatment early rather than waiting for an eye condition to become severe.
He commended eye specialists and other healthcare professionals for their continued service, urging them to maintain quality and compassionate care while strengthening health education and referral systems.
The commissioner said the state would continue exploring appropriate technologies and innovations that could improve early detection and extend eye care services to more communities.
He described sight as an essential part of human wellbeing and called on residents to make eye health a priority for themselves and their families.
“Love Your Eyes. Protect Your Sight. Seek Eye Care. Encourage Others To Do The Same,” he urged.
