Over 250 Osun Residents Benefit From Lions Clubs’ Free Eye Care Initiative

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

No fewer than 250 residents of Oyan in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State have benefited from the free medical eye care initiative of Lions club International District 404 aimed at addressing eye health challenges among underserved populations.

The outreach, which recently held at Oyan town 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 many communities across the state since its inception.

A Consultant Ophthalmologist, in charge of Lion Eyecare centre at the Osun State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Dr. Bolanle Olomola, said the initiative was aimed at bridging 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.

Speaking further, Dr Olomola charged parents and guardians to desist from using cains and other harmful objects as punitive measures in training their children and wards, given the danger it poses to the eyes.

She, however, advised adults to prioritise the protection of their eyes.

According to Dr. Olomola, there is the need for members of the public to protect their eyes from injuries and make use of sun shades to safe the eyes from ultraviolet lights.

When asked about the impact of the Comprehensive Eyecare outreach organised by Lions club International on the beneficiaries, the coordinator of the programme, Lion Kola Oyekanmi, said the campaign has achieved its goal of creating awareness about glaucoma and treating people with eye problems across Osun State.

It was gathered that many residents of Oyan where the outreach was held converged on the Oyan Town Hall and benefited from free eye test and checking