Senate passes bill to establish National Eye Centre, Doma, Nasarawa

The Senate has passed a bill for the establishment of National Eye Centre Doma in Nasarawa state.

This followed the adoption of report of Committee on Health, on the National Eye Centre Doma, Nasarawa State establishment bill 2024 at plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Banigo Harry (PDP-Rivers), said the bill sought to establish the national eye centre to cater for eye challenges of host communities, other citizens in the area and the neighboring communities.

She said the committee in consideration of the bill, adopted due methodology, conducted a public hearing, captured the views and opinions of stakeholders and the general public.

“The bill received an overwhelming support from the stakeholders, as the committee had a clause by clause consideration of the items.

“It is on record that cataract is one of the common causes of severe visual impairment and glaucoma, hence the call for establishment of National Eye Centre for easy access for members of the community.

“The National Eye Centre when fully established in Doma will help to prevent, diagnose and treat eye conditions and coordinate research on eye disease.

“The Centre will also help train specialists, eye care handlers and professionals in eye diseases and related fields,’’ she explained.

She urged the senate to approve recommendations of the committee on the bill.

Sen. Dicket Plang (APC-Plateau), said establishment of more eye centres in Nigeria would provide services to citizens.

He said the Centre would provide access to eye service resulting in improved sight for citizens.

Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), said establishment of the Centre would help take care of the eye needs of the people and reduce the influx of eye care seekers to Kano Eye Centre.

He said more eye care institutions should be established across the country, saying that more citizens should have access to eye care to reduce visual impairment.