Thousands of Enugu Women have been saved by a team of eye specialist doctors organised by the wife of the governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, through Balija Eye Care Foundation, who successfully conducted a Two-Day Free Eye Care Outreach for women on 12th and 13th of August 2024.
This outreach, themed "Sight is Life," was a collaborative effort with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development. The initiative was designed to provide essential eye care services to middle-aged and elderly women, particularly those aged 40 and above, who are more prone to eye-related issues.
The outreach took place at the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, where over 1,300 women from across the state gathered to benefit from the free services provided. The overwhelming response from the target demographic was a testament to the pressing need for accessible eye care services in the state.
Over the two days, 1,320 patients received comprehensive eye care services, including eye screenings, distribution of free reading glasses, and minor surgical interventions. A total of 1,200 reading glasses were distributed, significantly improving the quality of life for many women who had been struggling with vision problems.
Key diagnoses included 235 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma and 80 cases of cataracts, among other conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and refractive errors like high myopia and presbyopia. The outreach also identified and booked 76 patients for cataract surgeries and retinal reattachment procedures, ensuring these women would receive the necessary follow-up care.
The impact of the outreach was profound, with numerous beneficiaries expressing their gratitude for the life-changing services provided. Many women shared their stories of struggling with deteriorating vision for years and expressed relief and joy at finally receiving the help they needed. The outreach not only improved their vision but also enhanced their overall well-being, enabling them to continue with their daily activities more effectively.
Healthcare providers involved in the initiative also expressed satisfaction with the organization and execution of the outreach. They emphasized the importance of expanding such initiatives to reach more people in need of eye care services across Enugu State and beyond.
In her thank you speech, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Ilodibe Onoja and his team at the Balija Eye Care Foundation on behalf of the First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah. She praised their exceptional efforts, acknowledging the life-changing impact of the outreach and emphasized the importance of such collaborations in improving the well-being of women in the state.
While responding to newsmen, Dr. Jude Ilodibe Onoja, the Medical Director of the Balija Eye Care Foundation, highlighted the importance of the "Sight is Life" initiative in preventing avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life for women in Enugu State. He stated, "This outreach has been a resounding success, demonstrating the critical need for accessible eye care services in our communities. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that more women, especially those in rural areas, have access to the eye care they need. We hope to expand this initiative to all 17 local government areas of Enugu State in the near future."
Hon. Arinze Emmanuel Eze, the Project Coordinator, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response from the women of Enugu State. He highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that it was not just about providing eye care but about restoring hope and improving the quality of life for many who had been struggling with vision problems. Hon. Eze commended the dedication of the medical team led by Dr. Ilodibe Onoja and emphasized the need to expand such life-changing programs to reach even more women across the state.
The Two-Day Free Eye Care Outreach by the Balija Eye Care Foundation was a remarkable achievement, providing essential eye care services to over 1,300 women in Enugu State. The initiative not only addressed immediate eye health needs but also raised awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early detection of eye conditions. Given its success, there is a strong recommendation for similar programs to be conducted across all local government areas of the state to ensure that every woman in Enugu has the opportunity to receive the eye care they deserve.
Indeed, Tomorrow Is Here!
