Lagos: The Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH), in collaboration with Attom Foundation, has provided free eye screening and cataract surgeries to 200 residents across Lagos communities, targeting the reduction of avoidable blindness. The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of OAGH, Dr Oluyemi Taiwo, stated that the initiative aimed to tackle avoidable blindness and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the two-day event, which started on Tuesday, was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Blind Prevention Programme Unite, in collaboration with OAGH and supported by Attom Foundation. Taiwo explained that the screening and surgery were necessary to address cataract, an opacity of the eye lens caused by ageing or trauma. The programme aims to address preventable blindness and improve patients' quality of life.
Taiwo urged NGOs and foundations to collaborate further, noting that such an alliance would enable expanded outreach and bring greater healthcare benefits to Lagos communities. She explained that free eyeglasses were distributed, including medicines, while surgeries were carried out on those with severe cases of cataract. The OAGH Executive Director/CEO expressed optimism that continued similar initiatives would reduce blindness across Lagos, ultimately improving both vision and overall quality of life for countless residents.
The Director of Projects of the Foundation, Tarik Abubakar, mentioned that many seniors silently lose their sight because they could not afford proper care. Abubakar added that the outreach aimed to restore dignity and independence through free medical services. Beneficiaries received free eye screenings, prescription glasses, essential medication, and cataract surgeries. Abubakar advised on preventive steps like avoiding dirty hands, using sunshades, eating vegetables, and seeking prompt medical care.
In her remark, Dr Erinosho Mazeedat, Director, Medical Administration, Training and Programme, Lagos State Ministry of Health, said the exercise was part of programmes under the Lagos five division 'IBILE' to offer free medical outreach to communities. Mazeedat said the ministry would continue to enlighten people on the need for regular medical check-ups and added that the outreach was extended to pupils in primary schools, including Olusosun primary schools, Ikeja, where some students were discovered to have reflective errors and the foundation provided free glasses for them.