The Senate has passed a bill for the establishment of National Eye Centre Doma in Nasarawa state.
Gatekeepers News reports that Chairman of the Committee, Senator Banigo Harry (PDP-Rivers) while presenting the report said the bill sought to establish the national eye centre to cater to eye challenges of host communities, other citizens in the area, and neighbouring communities.
Harry noted that the committee adopted due methodology, conducted a public hearing, and captured the views and opinions of stakeholders and general public.
She said, “The bill received 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 the establishment of a 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.”
Harry urged the Senate to approve the recommendations of the committee on the bill.
Also speaking, Senator Dicket Plang said the establishment of more eye centres in Nigeria would provide services to citizens, adding that the Centre would provide access to eye service resulting in improved sight for citizens.
Likewise, Senator Victor Umeh said establishment of the Centre would help take care of the people’s eye needs and reduce the influx of eye care seekers to Kano Eye Centre.
He said more eye care institutions should be established across the country, noting that more citizens should have access to eye care to reduce visual impairment.
