Numerous Beneficiaries Express Gratitude to Gov Peter Mbah's Administration for Life-Changing Free Eye Care Programme

Thousands of women across Enugu State have had their lives transformed, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative led by Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, the First Lady of Enugu State, in collaboration with the Balija Eye Care Foundation. The Two-Day Free Eye Care Outreach, held on the 12th and 13th of August 2024, brought much-needed relief to over 1,300 women, marking a significant milestone in the state's healthcare efforts.

Themed "Sight is Life," the outreach was a joint effort between the Office of the First Lady, the Balija Eye Care Foundation, and the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development. The initiative was specifically designed to address the eye care needs of middle-aged and elderly women, particularly those aged 40 and above, who are more susceptible to age-related vision problems.

Held at the premises of the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, the outreach saw a massive turnout of women from various parts of the state. The overwhelming response underscored the urgent need for accessible and affordable eye care services, especially for vulnerable groups within the state.

Over the two days, a total of 1,320 women were attended to by a dedicated team of eye specialists. These women received comprehensive eye care services, including detailed eye screenings, free distribution of reading glasses, and minor surgical procedures. A staggering 1,200 pairs of reading glasses were distributed, greatly enhancing the quality of life for those who had been silently suffering from vision impairment.

Key diagnoses during the outreach included 235 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma and 80 cases of cataracts. Other conditions identified ranged from diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy to refractive errors such as high myopia and presbyopia. Importantly, 76 women were booked for cataract surgeries and retinal reattachment procedures, ensuring that they would receive the necessary follow-up care.

The impact of the outreach was profound, with numerous beneficiaries expressing heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing services provided. Many women shared their struggles with deteriorating vision, some of which had persisted for years. The relief and joy of finally receiving proper care were palpable as these women celebrated the restoration of their sight and the improvement of their overall well-being.

Healthcare providers involved in the initiative were equally satisfied with its outcome. They highlighted the importance of expanding such outreach programs to ensure more people in Enugu State, particularly those in remote areas, have access to essential eye care services. The success of this outreach demonstrated that with proper planning and collaboration, it is possible to make significant strides in improving public health.

In her thank-you speech, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, conveyed deep appreciation to Dr. Ilodibe Onoja and his team at the Balija Eye Care Foundation on behalf of the First Lady. She commended their exceptional efforts and acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the outreach, stressing the need for continued partnerships to enhance the well-being of women in the state.

Addressing the press, Dr. Jude Ilodibe Onoja, Medical Director of the Balija Eye Care Foundation, emphasized the significance of the "Sight is Life" initiative in preventing avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life for women in Enugu State. "This outreach has been a resounding success," he said. "It has demonstrated 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 Director, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response from the women of Enugu State. He emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, stating, "This was not just about providing eye care, but about restoring hope and improving the quality of life for many women who had been struggling with vision problems. The dedication of the medical team led by Dr. Ilodibe Onoja has been extraordinary, and we must continue to expand such life-changing programs to reach even more women across the state."

The success of this Two-Day Free Eye Care Outreach by the Balija Eye Care Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to public health. By addressing immediate eye health needs and raising awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups, this initiative has set a new standard for healthcare in Enugu State. There is now a strong call for similar programs to be conducted across all local government areas to ensure that every woman in Enugu has the opportunity to receive the eye care she deserves.