More than 6,000 residents across various communities in Osun State have benefitted from the free medical eye care initiative of the Lions Clubs International Foundation, aimed at addressing eye health challenges among underserved populations. The ongoing outreach, which recently held at Ile-Ogbo—the headquartres of Ayedire Local Government Area—has been described as a lifeline for many residents battling vision-related problems but unable to access quality care. According to the organisers, the programme has so far been held in over twenty communities across the state since its inception.
Speaking during the event, the Outreach Officer for the Lions Eyecare Development Project in Osun State, Mrs. Olufunmike Odesanmi, explained that the initiative began approximately four years ago to bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially at the grassroots. “Many people in rural communities lack access to proper healthcare,” she said. “When they experience eye problems, they often resort to self-medication or patronise over-the-counter shops, which frequently worsens their condition. That’s why we are taking the services directly to them.”
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She emphasised that the initiative is open to all, including young people, and provides a range of services such as eye examinations, medication, prescription glasses, laser therapy, and even surgical referrals. “We don’t just screen; we treat,” Odesanmi added. “Some beneficiaries with minor refractive errors are given corrective lenses, while those diagnosed with cataracts are referred to the Lions Eye Center at the State Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo, for surgery.”
She noted that the outreach has visited over twenty communities so far, with each hosting an average of 300 attendees. “Altogether, we’ve attended to over 6,000 people. Specifically for this Ile-Ogbo outreach, 323 people have received treatment,” she said. The initiative has received widespread praise from community members, particularly the elderly who are disproportionately affected by vision problems. One of the leaders of the Ile-Ogbo United Forum, Mrs. Aderonke Ojo, commended the Lions Clubs for the humanitarian gesture. “This programme is a blessing to our community,” Ojo said. “Many of our elderly people suffer from eye issues but can’t afford proper treatment. The Lions Clubs have brought not just relief, but hope.”
