By Elizabeth Osayande

Ikeja Metro Lions Club, recently organised a medical sensitization programme that included free screening exercise of the eye, and surgeries for some indigent citizens in Lagos state.

The free medical outreach, held at Deseret Eye Clinic, Eye Foundation, GRA, Ikeja, saw the screening of about 200 persons, including the performing of cataract surgeries for four residents.

Speaking recently at the event, Ikeja Metro Lions Club president, Lion Godson Anigbo, who expressed joy for the success of the event, explained that the need to create awareness on ways to care for the eyes informed the medical outreach.

According to Anigbo:” The Lions Club International introduced vision as one of their focus area in 1925. Then in 1990 they came up with the sight first programme which is what we are carrying out in October to create awareness on the importance of taking care of your eyes . This mandate also aligned with the theme of this year’s world sight day,” Love your eyes.

” Today, we screened about 200 and did Cataract surgery for four people.” Ikeja Metro Lions Club president noted.

Explaining the passion to help, Anigbo reiterated that:”:We raise money amongst ourselves, members contribute to support monthly activities, because they have passion for service, before joining the association in the first place.

On her part, Hospital Service Manager. Deseret Eye Clinic, Eye Foundation, GRA, Ikeja, Mrs. Oluranti Adetiba, praised Ikeja Lions club for turning people’s darkness into light.

“Ikeja Metro Lions club is one in a million They turned people’s darkness to light through cataract surgery done at Eye foundation hospital.

” To Nigerians, these things are the things to do to have good sight: Go for regular eye check up; Say no to self medication ;Avoid usage of sharp objects by the minors; and Make hay while the sunshine on challenges that requires medical attention.

“The government on their part, should create Glucoma clinic centres, and subsidize the medications. The hospitals should be equipped with specified doctors.The government should mandate cataract and glucoma screening for people of 40 years statue and above.’ Mrs. Adetiba added.

The club service chairperson, Lion Ogunseye Olusola, explained that there was need to educate community members on the importance of good eye sight.

“Our passion is to get people to seek out eye care services, as people in the community may be unaware of the existence of eye care services; they may also think that they do not need the services, or that they won’t be able to afford the treatments. People may fear eye surgery; they may also believe that some eye disorders cannot be prevented or cured. In Lionism we serve the world with our time , talent and treasure.

” With this sensitization, we have called on Lagosians to rise above challenges, and become proactive and careful about their well-being. They also need to find ways to care for their body and mind.