Preventable Blindness On The Rise, Says Lions Club, Urges Support For Affordable Eye Care

-Takes Free Medical Outreach To Ife South

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

The Lions Clubs International, has emphasized the urgent need for improved access to affordable eye care services as preventable blindness continues to affect many Nigerians.

The First Vice District Governor, Lion Oluomo Sunday Akere, made this known during a free comprehensive eye care outreach held at the Palace of the Olubosin of Ifetedo, in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.

Akere said the outreach, which featured free eye screening, surgeries, eyeglasses, and drugs, was part of the club’s global campaign to combat avoidable blindness and improve community health.

“Lions Club worldwide dedicate October to vision awareness. We screen for eye diseases, provide glasses, give out drugs, and sponsor cataract surgeries — all free,” Akere said.

He added that the organisation had built a $500,000 Eye Treatment Centre at Asubiaro General Hospital, Osogbo, to strengthen public health services and ensure that rural residents get access to affordable care.

“The government alone cannot meet all healthcare needs. That’s why Lions Club keep extending support through medical outreach across different local governments monthly,” he stated.

The Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera (Latiiri I), commended the gesture, describing it as a lifeline for residents struggling with the cost of treatment.

“Many people here live with eye problems but cannot afford to visit hospitals. This intervention has brought relief and renewed hope,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, Lion O.K. Faniran, Service Chairperson of the Igbajo Achievers Lions Club, said the outreach aligned with the club’s global vision focus.

“The eye is one of the most important parts of the body. We are detecting early-stage eye conditions and referring cataract cases to Osogbo for free surgery,” Faniran explained.

Lion Alao Adeleke Solomon, representing the Osun Dynamic Lions Club, said the initiative was meant to restore hope to underprivileged citizens.

“Some elderly people have long needed medical help but lacked the means. Today, they are smiling again,” he said.

Engr. Wale Oyesiji, President of Osun New Era Lions Club, added that the exercise showed the club’s commitment to humanitarian service.

“Seeing people regain their vision and happiness means a lot to us. That’s what Lions Clubs stand for, service to humanity,” Oyesiji said.

Beneficiaries of the outreach, including Chief Philip Adebayo Jolaoye and Pastor Moses, expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing the initiative as timely and life-changing.

“I got tested, received free glasses, and was booked for surgery, all at no cost. I couldn’t have afforded it otherwise,” Jolaoye said.

“Vision is life. Someone who can’t see is already limited. May God reward Lions Clubs International for this kindness,” Pastor Moses added.

CityMirrorNews reports that the free medical outreach was sponsored by Lions Clubs of Osun New Era, Igbajo Achievers, Osun Dynamic and Ede Royal.