The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) has called for increased adoption of digital technology and innovation to transform eye-care delivery in the country, as it prepares to host its 51st Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
The President of the Society, Dr. Gloria Ferife, made the call during a press conference ahead of the conference, which is themed, “Re-imagining Eye Care in the Digital Era.”
Dr. Ferife was represented at the press conference by the Vice President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Prof. Abdulkadir Rafindadi, who delivered the President’s address.
The 51st Scientific Conference and AGM is scheduled to hold from September 2 to 4, 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
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Speaking on behalf of the OSN President, Prof. Rafindadi described the theme of the conference as timely, noting that digital transformation was increasingly reshaping healthcare delivery globally and creating new opportunities to improve access, diagnosis and treatment.
He highlighted emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, tele-ophthalmology, portable digital perimetry and electronic health infrastructure, saying they could help bridge existing gaps in clinical eye-care services.
“The Society is particularly interested in exploring how these innovations can be adapted to the Nigerian environment, scaled up and integrated into the country’s healthcare system”.
He said the approach would help address some of the major challenges affecting eye-care delivery, including high costs, geographical barriers to specialist services and shortages of skilled healthcare personnel in some parts of the country.
As part of its pre-conference humanitarian activities, the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria will conduct a major surgical outreach from August 27 to 29, 2026.
Prof. Rafindadi announced that the Society has committed to performing at least 500 free cataract surgeries during the outreach as part of efforts to reduce the burden of avoidable blindness and restore sight to Nigerians who may otherwise be unable to afford the procedure.
He said the humanitarian programme would not be limited to cataract surgeries, as beneficiaries would also have access to comprehensive community eye screenings.
According to him, individuals requiring further intervention will receive appropriate eye examinations and, where necessary, prescription glasses and essential eye medications for conditions such as refractive errors and ocular surface problems.
Prof. Rafindadi stressed that the initiative reflects the Society’s belief that scientific and technological advancement must go beyond discussions and research to produce practical interventions capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He said the Society remained committed to ensuring that vulnerable people benefit directly from advances in ophthalmology and that preventable blindness is addressed through early detection, appropriate treatment and improved access to eye-care services.
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Prof. Rafindadi further emphasised the important role of the media in promoting public health awareness, influencing policy decisions and strengthening accountability within the healthcare sector.
He urged journalists and media organisations to continue giving prominence to eye health and other public health issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable and underserved communities.
He disclosed that the Society would release a comprehensive post-conference communiqué on September 4, 2026, containing the collective resolutions of participants, evidence-based policy recommendations and a strategic roadmap for the future of eye care in Nigeria.
According to him, the communiqué will be shared with government agencies, policymakers, media organisations and members of the general public to support policy development and improve eye-care delivery across the country.
The three-day scientific conference is expected to bring together ophthalmologists, scientists, researchers, clinical experts, policymakers and other stakeholders from Nigeria and the international community.
The programme will feature plenary sessions, symposia, free-paper presentations and interactive masterclasses designed to promote knowledge exchange, improve clinical practice and encourage research collaboration among eye-care professionals.
The conference will also provide an opportunity for participants to examine emerging trends in ophthalmology and deliberate on how Nigeria can harness digital technology to strengthen eye-care services and improve patient outcomes.
The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria said the scientific conference and humanitarian outreach form part of its broader commitment to tackling visual impairment and preventable blindness through innovation, professional collaboration and community-centred eye care.
The Society also expressed appreciation to its sponsors, partners, members of the Local Organising Committee and the media for their support towards the successful hosting of the 51st Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting.
Victoria Ibanga
