Benin City, Edo State – In a significant move underscoring the Edo State Government’s dedication to technological advancement and the well-being of its citizens, the Commissioner for Water Resources and energy
yesterday participated in a comprehensive eye screening as part of the AutoVision Initiative.
This transformative project, a collaboration between the Senator Monday Okpebholo Foundation (SMOF) and a growing network of committed donors, is not only positioning Edo
State as Nigeria’s leading hub for smart glasses adoption but is also actively addressing critical public health concerns, including road safety and vision impairment.
The Commissioner, after undergoing a thorough eye screening conducted by professional eye doctors, became one of the first high-ranking government officials to publicly embrace smart
prescription glasses.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the AutoVision Initiative, in partnership with SMOF, to provide free eye screenings for 100,000 road users in Edo State over the next five years, aiming to significantly improve road safety by addressing vision-related issues.
This innovation offers more than just a stylish upgrade; it provides purposeful functionality.
The smart glasses are designed to accommodate prescription lenses that come with Advanced Blue Lens Technology, offering crucial protection against harsh sunlight, harmful blue light emitted from digital screens, and distracting glare encountered while driving.
This technology enhances comfort, clarity, and confidence for various daily activities, from reading and driving to
participating in sports like golf or tennis.
The AutoVision smart glasses also boast integrated vision correction capabilities for both reading and distance, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses. Additionally, they feature smart functionalities such as hands-free calls, music playback, and direct chat access to eye doctors, offering a significant upgrade for modern living in Nigeria’s dynamic environment.
Thanks to the generous subsidies provided by the Senator Monday Okpebholo Foundation
and its collaborative network of donors, Edo State residents, affectionately known as Edolites, can now apply to receive these smart glasses at zero cost after completing their eye screening conducted by professional eye doctors. Furthermore, the foundation and its donor network are sponsoring free eye screenings conducted by professional eye doctors, who can even visit users to provide this essential service without any additional charges.
Following the eye screening and consultation with their preferred eye clinic, eligible individuals
can apply for the free smart glasses. These glasses are specifically designed to fit the user’s prescription lenses, which will incorporate the advanced blue lens technology. Recognizing the financial constraints many Nigerians face, the AutoVision Initiative, through the support of SMOF and its partners, is also subsidizing the price of the advanced blue lenses, making this crucial vision-enhancing and protective technology more affordable for a larger segment of
the population. The smart glasses themselves are provided for free, while the subsidized advanced blue lenses ensure optimal vision and protection.
In a significant expansion of its commitment to eye health, the AutoVision Initiative will also
make it possible for those living with glaucoma to gain access to subsidized glaucoma medications and free intraocular pressure tests across Edo State. This crucial support will
ensure that individuals managing this condition have better access to the care and resources they need to maintain their vision and overall well-being.
Highlighting the overarching vision, a representative of the donor community emphasized, “Our contribution is about creating a sustainable system where every Edo citizen has the opportunity
to see better, live smarter, and ultimately thrive. By providing free smart glasses, subsidizing advanced lenses, and extending support to those with glaucoma, we aim to make quality vision
care accessible to all, reducing road accidents and improving overall vision health.” The participation of the Edo State Commissioner underscores the growing government support
for technology-driven healthcare solutions and reinforces the AutoVision Initiative’s core mission: to seamlessly integrate innovation, healthcare, and social equity for the benefit of
the Nigerian populace.
As the AutoVision Initiative continues to roll out screenings across various government ministries, local healthcare facilities, and communities within Edo State, the overarching aspiration is clear: to build a future where access to clear vision and smart technology is a reality for every citizen, leaving no one behind.