Ibadan, Oyo State | June 9, 2026

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward addressing preventable blindness with the official inauguration of the HelpMeSee Simulation-Based Cataract Surgery Training Centre at the Eleta Eye Institute in Ibadan.

The landmark facility—the first of its kind in Nigeria—was unveiled at a high-profile ceremony attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, representatives of development partners, and key stakeholders in the eye health sector.

The centre was established through a strategic partnership between HelpMeSee, Eleta Eye Institute, and CBM, with the aim of strengthening cataract surgical capacity and improving access to quality eye care services across the country.

Speaking during the event, stakeholders emphasized the importance of adopting innovative training methods such as simulation-based learning to enhance surgical skills without risk to patients. The facility features advanced surgical simulators that allow ophthalmologists to gain hands-on experience in cataract procedures under controlled conditions.

The programme included a keynote address focused on “Strengthening Eye Health Services Through Innovation,” remarks from partner organizations, and a demonstration of the HelpMeSee surgical simulator.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health underscored the Oyo State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and supporting initiatives that reduce avoidable blindness.

The inauguration concluded with the official commissioning of the training centre, a live demonstration of the simulator, and a media engagement session.

This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to building a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality cataract surgeries, ultimately reducing the burden of visual impairment in Nigeria.

Media Contact:

Name: Adamani, Enan

Title: Programme Director, Inclusive Health Programmes

Email Address: Enan.Adamani@cbm.org