Over 6,000 residents across various communities in Osun State have received free eye care services through an ongoing outreach by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
The initiative, which has covered over 20 communities, is currently being held in Ile-Ogbo, the headquarters of Ayedire Local Government Area. It forms part of the Lions Eyecare Development Project in Osun State, which has been running for the past four years.
Speaking to journalists, the Outreach Officer, Mrs. Olufunmike Odesanmi, said the programme was designed to reach people at the grassroots, many of whom struggle to access proper healthcare.
“Many people in rural areas rely on self-medication or over-the-counter treatments when they experience eye problems, and this often worsens their condition,” she explained. “We brought the free eyecare programme directly to these communities to address the lack of access to quality healthcare and reduce the risks associated with untreated eye issues.”
Odesanmi added that the outreach caters to all age groups, including youths, and offers treatments such as medications, laser therapy, and surgeries for those diagnosed with various eye conditions.
“Some people we attended to were given drugs, some that are half refractive errors were given glasses, and those who have cataracts will require surgery, which will be referred to Lion Eyes Centre at State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, for further management.”
Odesanmi revealed that “we have been to over twenty Osun communities and we attend to an average of 300 people in these communities, so I can say that over 6,000 have benefited. For this Ile-Ogbo outreach, we have attended to 323 people.”
One of the leaders of Ile-Ogbo United Forum, Mrs Aderonke Ojo, commended the Lions Clubs for the initiative, noting that residents of the community especially the aged people have issues with their eyes.