The bright surgical lights at the Cataract Surgery Unit extension in Central Hospital Kwale shone with renewed purpose as the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) began restoring sight through free cataract surgeries in Delta State. This milestone marks the official rollout of a large-scale cataract intervention programme designed to tackle avoidable blindness and expand access to quality eye care in Nigeria.
According to the 2024 Nigeria National Eye Health Survey, cataracts account for 44% of blindness cases in Nigeria, with over 1.1 million people living with vision impairment. In Delta State alone, more than 25,000 residents are affected by untreated cataracts—underscoring the urgency of sustained, accessible surgical care.
In response to this growing burden, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) with the support of Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), partnered with the Delta State Ministry of Health to operationalize the Cataract Surgery Unit (CSU) under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme.
This life-changing initiative, according to VCDF could not ave been achieved without the full support of SEEPCO, whose corporate social responsibility efforts are enabling free cataract surgeries, screenings, and eye health outreach across Delta State.
Before the launch of surgical interventions, VCDF implemented a robust capacity-building and outreach phase:
- 87 health workers trained in primary eye care service delivery
- 2,447 individuals screened for cataracts and other eye conditions
- 62 screening camps conducted across Delta communities
This integrated approach ensures that cataracts are identified early and patients are efficiently referred for surgery—improving outcomes and reducing preventable blindness.
On February 26, 2026, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) successfully conducted its first round of free cataract surgeries at Central Hospital Kwale, serving beneficiaries from Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West.
The SPECS-CSU model ensures a seamless patient journey:
- Community-based cataract screening and identification
- Transportation of patients to the CSU
- Pre-operative assessments by certified ophthalmologists
- Safe and efficient cataract surgery procedures
- Post-operative medications and protective eye shields
- Structured follow-up care to ensure full recovery
- Community Impact: Restoring Sight and Dignity
The cataract surgery outreach has seen strong participation from both elderly and younger residents seeking eye screenings, cataract treatment, and surgery.
Community leaders and beneficiaries have highlighted the programme’s impact:
High Chief Engr. Godwin Ifeanyi Edema of Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom noted “VCDF has brought specialized eye care directly to our people. The impact is immediate and life-changing.”
A beneficiary, Emeke Odigili, shared; “I had almost lost hope of seeing clearly again. Today, I received free cataract surgery. I am grateful to VCDF.”
Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, an ophthalmologist with VCDF’s SPECS-CSU, emphasized the urgency of intervention stating that cataracts remain one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness, and timely surgery can completely restore vision.
To date, the VCDF team has conducted 113 successful cataract surgeries in Delta State, contributing to a growing impact footprint.
Philip Ukemezia, Programmes Manager at Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), added; “Through SEEPCO’s support, VCDF has screened over 11,858 individuals and completed more than 1,070 successful cataract and pterygium surgeries across Delta and Akwa Ibom States. We are expanding free cataract surgery services to additional LGAs and neighboring states.”
The collaboration between Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) represents a powerful model for corporate-driven health impact, particularly in addressing cataracts—the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria.
By combining community outreach, health system strengthening, and free surgical care, this initiative is:
- Reducing the burden of cataracts
- Expanding access to affordable eye care
- Restoring productivity and quality of life for thousands
- A Clear Vision for the Future
The launch of free cataract surgeries in Delta State reinforces VCDF’s long-term commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality, and sustainable eye health services across Nigeria, with SEEPCO playing a critical enabling role.
As the SPECS programme expands, more communities will gain access to life-changing cataract treatment, bringing Nigeria closer to eliminating avoidable blindness and ensuring clearer eyesight for all,
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