Sunday October 18, 2026
By thenewsdesk.ng
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned licensing authorities against issuing or renewing drivers’ licences without conducting mandatory eye examinations, warning that poor vision remains a significant contributor to road traffic crashes.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Abia State, Mrs Ngozi Ezeoma, gave the warning on Thursday in Umuahia during activities marking the 2026 World Sight Day, organised by the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau.
Ezeoma said good eyesight is a fundamental requirement for safe driving, stressing that motorists with untreated vision problems pose serious risks to themselves and other road users.
She noted that eye diseases and visual impairment have continued to contribute to road crashes in the state, urging agencies responsible for driver’s licence issuance and renewal to strictly enforce vision screening as part of the licensing process.
According to her, applicants found to have defective vision should be referred for appropriate medical treatment or advised to obtain corrective lenses before being certified fit to drive.
The sector commander said adherence to proper eye examination procedures would improve road safety and help reduce preventable crashes caused by poor visibility.
She also commended the Abia State Government for establishing an eye screening centre at the Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia, describing the initiative as a proactive step towards safeguarding commercial drivers and other road users.
Ezeoma further advised motorists to avoid alcohol consumption and the use of illicit drugs while driving, saying such substances impair judgment, reduce concentration and significantly increase the risk of road crashes.
Earlier, the Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka Obasi, expressed concern over the activities of unqualified traditional practitioners allegedly treating eye conditions in communities across the state.
Obasi disclosed that the state government has established 25 eye screening centres to improve access to quality eye care services for residents.
She revealed that two young patients recently lost their sight after seeking treatment from unqualified traditional eye practitioners, urging members of the public to seek professional medical care for eye-related ailments.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new screening centre, Governor Alex Otti, represented by his deputy, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, encouraged residents to prioritise regular eye examinations and take advantage of the screening facilities provided by the government.
He said early detection and treatment of vision problems, particularly among commercial drivers, would enhance road safety and contribute to the reduction of traffic crashes across the state.
(Independent)
