Imagine a world where children grow up unable to see the beautiful natural colours of life, where our amazing landscapes, from Obudu cattle ranch to the buzzing city skies of Lagos metropolis and even the waterfalls of the south, blur into a haze, and where the dreams of future leaders are clouded by a common condition: myopia, or shortsightedness. This isn’t just a far-off dystopian vision; it is the potential reality facing Nigeria now, as research reveals. Myopia threatens to escalate into a public health crisis that could affect millions, as it already affects millions.
Globally, the prevalence of myopia is increasing, with indications that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population could be myopic if current trends continue. Recent studies in Nigeria have shown that myopia rates among school-aged children have doubled over the past decade, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
One of the main contributing factors to the rise in myopia is the widespread use of digital screens in our modern age. With the omnipresence of smartphones, tablets, and digital toys and games, children are spending more time glued to screens, often at the expense of their eye health. Research has demonstrated a significant correlation between excessive screen time and higher rates of myopia. This is particularly true in urban areas where technology has become an integral part of daily life. Excessive screen use traps children in a cycle of eye strain, potentially compromising their future, whether the screen time is for entertainment, education, or both. Further research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Yet, urbanisation limits access to green spaces and recreational areas, leaving children with little choice but to retreat indoors, where digital screens become their primary source of distraction.
Moreover, the pressure of academic success heavily weighs on Nigerian students. The competition in educational environments intensifies, and the hours spent poring over textbooks for exams increase, often in poorly lit environments. This intense focus strains the eyes and can lead to a lifetime of vision impairment. The irony is that the pursuit of knowledge, an admirable goal, could be the catalyst for a public health crisis that impacts the future of Nigeria.
The lack of access to quality eye care worsens the current situation in Nigeria. The country faces significant challenges in providing adequate healthcare, especially in eye care. According to Vision 2020, a global initiative launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020, there are fewer than 2,000 registered optometrists to serve the Nigerian population of over 200 million. This shortage means that many people go without much-needed eye examinations and treatment, allowing conditions like myopia to go uncorrected. The consequence is a generation growing up with vision impairments that could have been prevented.
Looking to the future, the implications of a myopia epidemic are daunting. Imagine millions of Nigerians grappling with vision impairment, struggling in an increasingly competitive world where clear vision is not just a luxury, but a necessity. The economic burden of managing myopia could cripple an already burdened healthcare system. Additionally, untreated myopia threatens educational opportunities for children, limiting their potential in a society like ours that values education as a key to success.
To prevent myopia from becoming a major issue in Nigeria, we need a comprehensive approach. This involves raising awareness, improving access to eye care, and advocating for change. Public health campaigns should educate families about the risks of excessive screen time and highlight the importance of outdoor activities. Schools should include vision health in their curriculum and create environments that encourage outdoor play, as spending time in nature can help prevent myopia.
Expanding access to eye care services is crucial for managing the risks of myopia. Community outreach programs can help reach underserved communities and provide necessary eye care services. Training more optometrists and eye care professionals is essential to meet the growing demand.
Additionally, policies promoting healthy screen time habits and supporting outdoor activities are vital. Collaboration between local governments and community leaders is needed to create safe recreational spaces for children, fostering a culture of wellness.
It’s important to act now to prevent a potential myopia pandemic. Raising awareness and taking proactive measures can safeguard the vision of future generations. We shouldn’t wait until it’s too late to address this silent threat. Myopia is not just a vision problem; it’s a public health crisis that requires immediate attention. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian children grow up with unclouded vision and the ability to see the beauty around them.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-eating-a-sandwich-in-a-restaurant-window-right-two-people-share-a-pizza.jpg?id=61376485&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/><br/><br/><p>Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know that <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/eat-drink/" target="_blank">Montreal is full of fantastic restaurants</a>.</p><p>From <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-restaurants-michelin-star-quebec-2025" target="_blank">internationally acclaimed kitchens</a> to local neighbourhood favourites, the city has no shortage of great food. But not every spot makes it onto a travel guide or TikTok itinerary for out-of-towners.</p><p><span></span>We recently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTLBlog/posts/pfbid02NdEAHV46r2t1iPGd3QUQL87Z5hRqKjaEY8xnJvYiaNaJY4n9jtvUxFPrHzuknancl" target="_blank">asked MTL Blog readers on Facebook</a>: "<em>What's your favourite hidden gem in Montreal that tourists might not know about?"</em></p><p><em></em> While we were expecting a mix of parks, events, or low-key attractions, one theme quickly took over the comments: food.</p><p>From neighbourhood mainstays to no-frills counters tucked away on quiet corners, many Montrealers were eager to share their go-to under-the-radar spots to eat. Others, though, preferred to keep their favourite places a secret, which is understandable. </p><p>But with so many responses about restaurants, we were able to put together a solid list of seven hidden gem eateries that locals say are worth checking out — whether you live here or not.</p><h3>Chalet BBQ</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxSW_nBPTL/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxSW_nBPTL/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Rotisserie chicken (with fries) is a staple in Quebec cuisine, and few places do it better than Chalet BBQ. This NDG institution has been serving up delicious birds since 1944, earning a loyal following for its smoky, charcoal-roasted chicken, crispy skin, and savoury dipping sauce that many locals say beats St-Hubert any day.</p><p>It's not flashy or modern, and that's part of the charm. </p><p>Address: 5456 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, Quebec </p><h3>Moreiras</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWsQNSSZlB/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWsQNSSZlB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Tucked into a quiet stretch of William Street, Moreiras feels like the kind of Italian place you stumble into once and never forget. The pizzas come out thin and blistered, and the meatballs taste like a Sunday dinner at Nonna's. One reader described the atmosphere as "cozy with amazing food," and they weren't wrong </p><p>1744 rue William, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Patati Patata</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbfjVotoUP/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbfjVotoUP/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This tiny St-Laurent diner is a Plateau classic known for crispy fries, cheap burgers, and one of the best poutines in the city. With just a few stools and booths, it keeps things simple, affordable, and reliably good. Locals love the quirky vibe and unchanged menu.</p><p>Address: 4177 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Bistro Amerigo</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2BkB9EOxap/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2BkB9EOxap/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This cozy Monkland Village trattoria is known for its fresh pasta, generous portions, and warm atmosphere. Locals love it for date nights and low-key dinners that still feel special. The gnocchi and short rib ragu are favourites.</p><p>Address: 6127 Monkland Ave, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Restaurant A.A</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B14ooi6A6jk/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B14ooi6A6jk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>A true local dive with no-frills charm, this cash-only joint on Notre-Dame serves up big portions of classic breakfast and greasy spoon fare at hard-to-beat prices. It's beloved for its retro vibe and dependable morning-after comfort food.</p><p>Address: 3702 rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, Quebec </p><h3>Décarie Hot Dog</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLbUgjABAP/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLbUgjABAP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This greasy staple has been slinging steamés, toasted buns, and classic Quebecois snack bar fare since 1969. It's a no-frills spot known for poutine, hot dogs, and a lineup of regulars who've been coming for decades.</p><p>Address: 953 boul. Décarie, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Tchang Kiang by Yangtze</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoh3V_JRhr/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoh3V_JRhr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This Monkland Village eatery serves classic Chinese dishes. With a loyal following, thanks in part to its ties to the beloved <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MontrealmemoriesTNG/posts/3046654608827506/" target="_blank">former Yangtze restaurant</a>, the menu features familiar favourites like sesame beef, egg rolls, and crispy noodles, all served in a casual, welcoming setting. It's a go-to for comforting plates with a nostalgic twist.</p><p> Address: 6066 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, Quebec</p>
