Victor Obuzor (PDP-Rivers) has advocated the need to establish specialised institutions to address the increasing prevalence of visual disabilities in the country.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Obuzor claimed that some 50 million Nigerians were affected by visual disabilities.

According to him, over seven million Nigerians are already blind.

In the House of Representatives, Mr Obuzor represents the Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni federal constituency of Rivers. He noted that decisive action was urgently needed to combat the rising cases of visual impairment nationwide.

He highlighted that the bill for an act to establish the Federal Institute of Vision and Optical Research in Rivers had received strong support from stakeholders during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives.

According to him, the bill aims to facilitate scientific research, the development of new technologies, and advancements in vision and optical health.

As the bill’s sponsor, he revealed that the House was considering replicating the institute across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

Mr Obuzor expressed concern that vision disorders were reaching epidemic levels in Nigeria, exacerbated by limited access to ophthalmic care, particularly in rural areas.

He cited projections by the World Health Organisation, which suggested that the current figures might double by 2050 without appropriate interventions.

Mr Obuzor added that he had sponsored a bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Optometry, which would offer courses leading to degrees, diplomas, and certificates in optometry, ophthalmology, and related fields.

(NAN)