At a landmark event to mark both World Sight Day and International Day of the White Cane and Safety, the Resource Center for the Blind (RCB) reaffirmed its commitment to eye health and supporting the blind and partially sighted.
The event attracted more than 200 participants, including law enforcement personnel, highlighting the importance of eye health, visual impairment awareness and the crucial role of the white cane in promoting independence.
The event’s dual themes – ‘Eye Care Everywhere’ for World Sight Day and ‘Together We See: Building a Community of Support for the Visually Impaired’ for International White Cane and Safety Day – highlighted RCB’s commitment to ensuring accessible eye care and build supportive communities for people with visual impairments.
Temitayo Ayinla, Executive Director of RCB, opened with a compelling speech, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent blindness and eye diseases, as well as the critical role of law enforcement in improving accessibility for the blind and visually impaired.
“Today’s symposium not only informs the public and law enforcement about the importance of their support, but also highlights the vital need for proactive eye health measures. Prevention and early treatment are our strongest tools in reducing the rate of avoidable blindness, and everyone has a role to play,” said Ayinla.
RCB’s initiative offered free eye examinations, health check-ups and an educational session to law enforcement officers from the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps. These programs aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to more effectively assist people with visual impairment.
Dr. Olubunmi Akinrinade, an ophthalmologist from Lagos General Hospital, Odan, led a session on maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss. Her presentation underscored the importance of routine eye exams, a message closely aligned with RCB’s mission to encourage regular checkups and early treatment to combat avoidable blindness.
Highlighting awareness on white canes, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind spoke directly to law enforcement officers and advised them on ways to support visually impaired persons. He emphasized the role of the white cane in promoting independence and urged officers to recognize its importance for mobility and safety.
The event had a meaningful impact: more than 100 participants received free reading glasses, another 100 received eye medicine and 30 received free cataract surgery. These services, offered in partnership with Eye Foundation, represent a critical step in addressing eye care needs and blindness prevention within the community.
Special Guest of Honour, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, commended RCB for its holistic approach. He acknowledged that the state government through the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs is working with RCB to expand the reach of eye health services and improve support for residents with disabilities.
The event’s emphasis on law enforcement involvement was particularly timely given Nigeria’s eye health statistics. According to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, approximately 4.25 million adults over the age of 40 have moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness. RCB believes that by raising awareness and promoting early intervention, the risk of avoidable blindness can be significantly reduced, while improved law enforcement support can increase people’s safety and mobility.
visually impaired persons.
Support organizations such as Jubly Health Concern Initiative, which provided general health checks, along with Lotus Bank and Lotus Capital, demonstrated a collaborative, cross-sector approach to promoting eye health and awareness of visual impairment.
RCB’s event marked significant progress in its mission to make eye care more accessible and avoidable blindness more preventable. By combining free medical services with educational activities targeted at key community stakeholders, RCB is pioneering a comprehensive model of community health and awareness.
This event on World Sight Day and International White Cane and Safety Day highlights the urgent need for proactive eye health practices. Organizations like RCB not only provide immediate assistance, but also pave the way for long-term improvements in eye disease awareness, accessibility and prevention, promoting a supportive environment for all visually impaired people.