The Federal Government has entered into a strategic partnership with global eye-health technology company, Peek Vision, to deploy digital screening tools across Nigeria in a major push to expand access to quality eye care and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The collaboration was formalised on Tuesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare’s Conference Room in Abuja. The agreement was announced in a statement issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry.
Under the new partnership, Nigeria will integrate smartphone-based eye-screening tools into its national health system, empower frontline workers through training, and enhance the use of real-time data to guide service delivery—especially in underserved rural communities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the initiative as a significant step in the fight against preventable blindness. He noted that millions of Nigerians continue to live with untreated visual impairments caused by cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors, conditions that are often worsened by limited access to eye-care services in remote areas.
According to him, the Federal Government is determined to leverage technology to close these gaps.
“We are embracing the digital revolution,” Salako said. “Peek Vision has developed simple, scalable innovations that transform ordinary smartphones into medical devices, enabling teachers, health workers, and community agents to conduct reliable eye screening anywhere—even in hard-to-reach communities.”
He explained that the MoU centres on three core areas:
- Digital eye screening supported by a national data platform,
- Training for health workers and teachers, and
- A sustainable care pathway to ensure screened individuals receive treatment.
The Minister stressed that the partnership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the National Health Policy, and the National Strategic Eye Health Development Plan. The Ministry, he added, would provide regulatory oversight and necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth implementation.
The Ministry described the agreement as an investment not only in technology but also in dignity, productivity, and improved quality of life for millions at risk of vision loss.
Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the initiative fits into the Ministry’s broader goal of using technology to strengthen primary healthcare.
“This partnership goes beyond signing a document. It provides a practical blueprint for expanding access to eye-care services in underserved communities,” Ntadom said.
Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, CEO of Peek Vision, told journalists that the tools would help Nigeria screen people “at the last mile,” reaching individuals who rarely visit health facilities due to cost, fear, or low awareness.
“With our technology, screening can be done in schools, workplaces, and even in people’s homes. There are nearly 25 million Nigerians whose vision can be improved if we act,” he said.
He noted that the integrated data platform would make it easier to track referrals, monitor treatment outcomes, and ensure no patient is overlooked. Implementation has already begun, supported by partners such as Sightsavers, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Manhattan.
“A new programme is currently screening 5,000 individuals and is expected to reach 1.2 million schoolchildren within the next two years,” Bastawrous added.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Oteri Okolo, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme, said the MoU represents a decisive and coordinated effort to eliminate avoidable blindness in the country.
“This collaboration marks the beginning of a focused and actionable drive to advance eye health nationwide,” Okolo said.
The partnership is expected to accelerate access to high-quality eye-care services and bring Nigeria closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.