The Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health and with support from Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), has successfully conducted 113 free cataract surgeries at the Central Hospital, Kwale, Delta State.

The intervention, carried out at the newly established Cataract Surgery Unit (CSU), marks the commencement of free eye surgery services under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme in the state.

According to the 2024 Nigeria National Eye Health Survey, cataracts account for 44 per cent of blindness cases in Nigeria, with over 1.1 million people living with vision impairment nationwide. In Delta State alone, more than 25,000 residents are affected by untreated cataracts.

To address the growing burden, VCDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government to strengthen access to eye care services. Prior to the surgeries, the foundation conducted extensive capacity-building initiatives, training 87 health workers and screening 2,447 individuals across 62 outreach camps in various communities.

The first set of surgeries was carried out on February 26, 2026, benefiting residents from Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas. Patients were screened in their communities and transported to the CSU, where certified ophthalmologists conducted pre-operative assessments and performed the procedures at no cost.
Post-surgery, beneficiaries received medications, protective eye shields, and scheduled follow-up visits to ensure proper recovery.

The outreach has drawn significant participation from residents, including both young and elderly individuals seeking eye care services.

A community leader, High Chief Godwin Ifeanyi Edema of Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, commended the initiative, describing it as life-changing. “VCDF has brought specialised eye care directly to our people. The impact is immediate and transformative,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Emeke Odigili, expressed gratitude after regaining sight. “I had almost lost hope of seeing clearly again. Today, I received free cataract surgery. I am deeply grateful to VCDF,” he said.

An ophthalmologist with the programme, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, noted that cataracts remain a leading cause of avoidable blindness but can be effectively treated through timely surgery. He disclosed that the team has so far recorded 113 successful procedures in Delta State.

VCDF’s Programmes Manager, Philip Ukemezia, described the initiative as a major milestone in the organisation’s efforts to restore sight and dignity. He added that through SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility support, the foundation has screened 11,858 individuals and conducted over 1,070 cataract and pterygium surgeries across Delta and Akwa Ibom states.

He further stated that plans are underway to expand the free eye surgery programme to neighbouring local government areas and states.
The initiative underscores VCDF’s commitment to improving access to quality and sustainable eye care services across Nigeria.