… as 50,000 face cataracts in Delta State
Precious Ademiloye
The Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), has launched its Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme in Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA, delivering free eye screenings, surgeries, medications, and eyeglasses to selected beneficiaries amid estimates that about 50,000 people in the state are living with cataracts.
The development formed the highlight of the programme’s recent launch in Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State, where the foundation noted that thousands of Nigerians continue to live with avoidable vision impairments, particularly cataracts and other treatable eye conditions.
It stated that the treatment of the condition is hindered by limited access to eye care services and the high cost of treatment—challenges that disproportionately affect residents of rural communities.
Mr. Phillip Ukemezia, VCDF Programme Manager, speaking at the launch, explained that the initiative is part of a long-term partnership with the Delta State Government.
According to him, VCDF has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state to improve access to quality and sustainable eye care services.
He noted that the collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health, alongside SEEPCO’s support, will help ensure that more residents receive timely diagnosis and treatment for eye conditions such as cataracts and pterygium.
Ukemezia further stated that the SPECS Programme, which began in 2023, focuses on integrating primary eye care into existing Primary Health Care Centres.
These centres, according to him, serve as the first point of contact for community members, allowing for early detection, screening, and referral of patients for proper treatment.
“The Delta rollout builds on the programme’s successful pilot phase in Akwa Ibom State, where 8,579 people benefited from free eye screenings, eyeglasses, and medications, and 865 successful cataract surgeries completed.
Encouraged by the positive impact, VCDF has expanded the programme to Delta State to reach more underserved communities,” he said.
Mrs. Cecilia Ekpo, Vice Chairman of Ndokwa East LGA, also speaking at the event, described the programme as a major relief for residents.
She expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that many people who could not afford eye treatment now have an opportunity to receive care at no cost.
SEEPCO, which has supported several health and community development initiatives, reaffirmed its commitment to improving the wellbeing of host communities.
The company emphasized its readiness to continue partnering with VCDF and other stakeholders on programmes that positively impact lives.
As part of the programme’s sustainability efforts, 73 health workers and community volunteers have been trained across Ndokwa East and West LGAs.
This step ensures that eye care services remain accessible and effectively integrated within local health facilities.
Through the SPECS Programme, VCDF and SEEPCO are helping to restore sight, improve health outcomes, and bring hope to many families in Delta State.
