Nigeria has taken a major step in the fight against avoidable blindness with the inauguration of the HelpMeSee Simulation-Based Cataract Surgery Training Centre at the Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country, was unveiled at a high-profile ceremony attended by stakeholders in the eye health sector, traditional and religious leaders, and government officials. It is a joint initiative of HelpMeSee, Eleta Eye Institute, and CBM aimed at strengthening eye care delivery and expanding access to quality cataract surgery in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the centre as a major boost to ophthalmic training and Nigeria’s response to the burden of avoidable blindness.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in developing a skilled workforce capable of responding effectively to the burden of avoidable blindness,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Eleta Eye Institute, Dr Gboyega Ajayi, described the training centre as a “game-changer” that will transform cataract surgery training, improve outcomes, and reduce surgical risks.
He explained that the simulation-based facility will allow ophthalmologists to acquire surgical competence in a risk-free environment before operating on patients.
“It will help doctors operate on cataract patients with minimal fear. Success rates will be higher because surgeons are fully trained and confident before they go to patients,” he said.
Ajayi added that improved surgical skills will not only boost cataract surgery success rates but also strengthen the management of other eye conditions often associated with cataract cases.
He further noted that better surgical confidence is expected to encourage more patients to seek early treatment, improving detection of other eye diseases such as glaucoma, which he described as more dangerous due to its silent and irreversible nature.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Medical Director of Eleta Eye Institute, Dr. Olufemi Awobodu-Alabi, said the centre reflects the institute’s commitment to innovation, excellence, patient safety, and continuous human capacity development in eye care.
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She noted that while cataract remains the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria, the number of skilled surgeons has not kept pace with growing demand, making innovative training solutions necessary.
Dr. Awobodu-Alabi expressed appreciation to partner organisations for their support, saying the collaboration reflects a shared determination to eliminate avoidable blindness and improve eye health outcomes across the country.
The HelpMeSee Simulation-Based Cataract Surgery Training Centre is expected to significantly boost ophthalmic training in Nigeria and improve access to safe and effective cataract surgery nationwide.
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