By Kemi Olatunde

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The Ondo State Government has established an eye care centre at the General Hospital, Idanre, to complement the Millennium Eye Care Centre in Akure.

This initiative is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation to provide affordable and accessible eye care to the people of the state.

Speaking during the launch of the eye care centre at the General Hospital in Idanre, the National Coordinator for the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo, noted that Ondo State is the second beneficiary of the eye care centre in the country. She stated that it is a presidential initiative approved in December 2023 to bring affordable eye care to the people.

In her words, “We are most delighted to carry out Mr. President’s vision for eye health care on a national scale. This aligns with the General Assembly’s resolution, which adopted ‘Vision for Everyone,’ accelerating action and sustainable development.”

Okolo noted that the initiative aims to commit the international community to addressing the eye health of over 1.1 billion people at risk of preventable sight loss by 2030.

She emphasised that vision is not only a health issue but also a socio-economic development factor. Good vision enables individuals to work effectively, helps children learn better, and allows the elderly to live independently without the risk of falls or excessive dependence on others.

She further highlighted that the vision centre would offer services at an affordable cost, in line with the President’s vision of ensuring clear vision for everyone.

She, therefore, urged the community to collaborate with the eye care centre to ensure its efficiency and sustainability.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, expressed the state’s profound gratitude to Mr. President and the National Eye Health Programme for supporting the government in establishing and equipping the eye care centre.

He stated that this initiative would ensure efficient eye care delivery across the state.

Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi, Ikuomola noted that this initiative aligns with one of the key programmes of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, which prioritises the health of the people.

He explained that Ondo State has always been committed to making eye care accessible and was among the few states to launch a specialised eye care hospital years ago.

“The initiative has achieved tremendous success despite some challenges, and today, this new facility in Idanre is proof that we are expanding.”

“We are also delighted with the staff of this hospital. We are confident that this centre will soon witness high traffic. We urge you to provide subsidised and high-quality services to the people of the state.”

Consultant ophthalmologist and Chairman of the Eye Health Committee for Ondo State, Dr. Stella Adegbehingbe, commended the initiative, stating that it would better serve the people of the state.

She also promised that her team would visit the hospital every Thursday for consultations.

The representative of the Owa of Idanre, High Chief Neren Akinnawolu, expressed appreciation to the federal and state governments for establishing the eye care centre in their community.

He also pledged the community’s unwavering support to ensure the centre’s success.