The federal government on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with global eye-health technology firm Peek Vision to deploy digital tools for eye screening and to strengthen Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage.

The agreement was disclosed in a statement signed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Signed at the minister of state’s conference room in Abuja, the MoU formalised a nationwide partnership to integrate smartphone-based eye screening, strengthen primary healthcare capacity and improve real-time data use across the eye-health system.

Deputy health minister Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the partnership marked a major milestone in efforts to reduce preventable blindness.

Mr Salako said millions of Nigerians continued to suffer visual impairment from cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors and glaucoma, adding that poor access to services in rural communities worsened the burden.

“We are embracing the digital revolution. Peek Vision has created simple, scalable tools that turn a smartphone into a medical device, enabling health workers, teachers and community agents to conduct accurate screening, even in remote communities,” he said.

He said the MoU focused on three areas: digital screening supported by national data systems; training of health workers and teachers; and a sustainable care pathway to ensure those screened received appropriate treatment.

He said the agreement aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the National Health Policy and the National Strategic Eye Health Development Plan, adding that the ministry would provide regulatory oversight and the required infrastructure.

According to the ministry, the initiative represents an investment in technology, dignity and productivity for millions of Nigerians at risk of vision loss.

Representing the permanent secretary, director of public health, Godwin Ntadom, said the partnership supported the Ministry’s strategy to use technology to strengthen primary healthcare.

“This partnership goes beyond signing a document; it provides a blueprint to expand access to eye-care services for underserved communities,” Mr Ntadom said.

Chief executive of Peek Vision, Andrew Bastawrous, told journalists that the technology enabled screening “at the last mile”, reaching people who do not visit health facilities due to cost, fear or lack of awareness.

“With our tools, screening can take place in homes, schools or workplaces. There are close to 25 million people whose vision can improve if we act,” Mr Bastawrous said.

He said the data platform helped track referrals, identify treatment barriers and ensured no patient was left behind.

He added that implementation begins immediately, with support from partners including Sightsavers, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Manhattan.

“A new programme is already screening 5,000 people and aims to reach 1.2 million schoolchildren over the next two years,” he said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme, Oteri Okolo, described the MoU as a decisive step in preventing avoidable blindness.

Mr Okolo said the collaboration marked the beginning of a purposeful effort to advance eye health nationwide.

(NAN)