* Over 50,000 residents at risk of blindness
Thousands of Nigerians continue to live with avoidable vision impairment, with cataracts and related eye conditions ranking among the leading causes of preventable blindness.
In Delta State alone, an estimated 50,000 residents are affected by cataracts, a condition that is treatable through timely medical intervention. However, limited access to quality eye care services and the high cost of surgery have left many people in rural communities without the help they urgently need.
In response to this growing public health concern, the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), has officially launched its Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme in Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The initiative delivers free eye screenings, cataract surgeries, medications, and prescription eyeglasses, bringing essential eye care services directly to underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch event, VCDF Programme Manager, Phillip Ukemezia, described the programme as part of a strategic and long-term effort to strengthen eye health systems in the state. He revealed that VCDF has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delta State Government to improve access to sustainable and affordable eye care services.
According to Ukemezia, the collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health, alongside SEEPCO’s continued support, will ensure early diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions such as cataracts and pterygium, significantly reducing cases of preventable blindness.
Launched in 2023, the SPECS Programme focuses on integrating primary eye care services into existing Primary Health Care Centres. By positioning these centres as the first point of contact, community members can access early screening, timely referrals, and appropriate treatment without travelling long distances.
This approach not only expands healthcare coverage but also strengthens the overall primary healthcare system in Delta State.
The expansion into Delta State follows the programme’s successful pilot phase in Akwa Ibom State. During the pilot, 8,579 beneficiaries received free eye screenings, eyeglasses, and medications, while 865 cataract surgeries were successfully performed.
Encouraged by these results, VCDF extended the programme to reach more vulnerable and underserved populations across Delta communities.
Also speaking at the event, Cecilia Ekpo, Vice Chairman of Ndokwa East LGA, described the intervention as a major relief for residents. She expressed gratitude to VCDF and SEEPCO, noting that many individuals who previously could not afford eye treatment now have access to free, life-changing medical care.
To guarantee long-term impact, 73 health workers and community volunteers in Delta state, across Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West LGAs have received specialized training. This capacity-building effort ensures that primary eye care services remain accessible, sustainable, and effectively integrated within local health facilities.
SEEPCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting host communities through impactful health and development programmes, pledging continued collaboration with VCDF and other stakeholders.
Through the SPECS Programme, VCDF and SEEPCO are not only providing free cataract surgeries and eye care services in Delta State but are also restoring sight, improving productivity, and renewing hope for thousands of families.
As preventable blindness remains a pressing health challenge in Nigeria, initiatives like this mark a significant step toward inclusive, community-based healthcare delivery.
