…free surgeries give hope to Isheri, Agege’s poor residents
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
In a decisive push against preventable blindness, Rotary Club Zone 2, District 9111, has restored hope and independence to scores of low-income residents in Lagos through a two-day free eye screening and cataract surgery outreach in Isheri and Agege.
The exercise, held under the “Mission for Vision (M4V)” programme and tagged “Free Cataract Surgery Outreach,” offered free eye checks and surgeries to the less privileged. It underscored Rotary’s commitment to delivering life-changing health interventions at the grassroots amid widespread economic hardship.
President of the Rotary Club of Gowon Estate Lagos, Ibiam Festus, said the decision to embark on the outreach was driven by deep concern for community health and the inability of many vulnerable people to afford treatment. “Cataracts can cause severe visual impairment and blindness. Providing free surgery removes a major financial barrier to treatment,” he stated.
Festus explained that restoring sight enables beneficiaries to return to work, support their families, and regain their dignity and confidence. He noted that the initiative reflects Rotary’s focus on identifying genuine health challenges and developing practical, sustainable interventions.
During the two-day programme held at Royal Estate, LASU Isheri Road, Egbeda, and Sango Primary Health Care, Agege, 342 patients underwent eye screening. Of these, 83 were identified with cataracts and assessed for free surgery. Patients with other eye conditions received medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals for further treatment.
“By mobilising Rotary Clubs, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and other stakeholders, Zone 2 can reach more people than individual Clubs might be able to serve alone,” Festus said. He added that the project demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to service, collaboration, and lasting community impact.
Chairman of the 2026/2027 Mission for Vision, District 9111, Chandra Nalode, reaffirmed that the exercise was aimed at restoring sight to the needy and strengthening Rotary’s commitment to disease prevention and community health.
Beneficiaries who spoke with Sunday Business Day praised the intervention, describing it as life-changing. They said the free surgeries would restore their sight and give them a new lease on life.
Abiola Aderoju Ogundeji of Rotary District 9111 noted that the Mission for Vision programme is an annual initiative that has, over the years, reached millions through screening and eye-care services, while thousands have benefited from free cataract surgeries.
The outreach aligns with District 9111’s broader vision that no one should lose their sight or remain unnecessarily blind simply because they cannot afford treatment.