By Ebunoluwa Sessou

As part of its plan to reduce blindness in the society, the Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate in partnership with the Indo Eye Care Foundation, Eye Care Centre and Sam Pharmaceutical Limited and EuroChemo Venture Limited carried out about 810 free cataract surgeries for members of the communities within and outside Lagos State.

The event which was a strategic project by the Club to contribute its quota to humanitarian service was witnessed by the Consul General of India, Shri Chandramouli Kern and the District Governor of Rotary District 9111, Rotn Oluwole Kukoyi, members of Indian Community and members of Rotary club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, Lagos Island and Maryland.The Mission 4 Vision Project commenced on November 27 and ended December 6, 2024.

The theme, “Celebration of Service and Vision: Indo Eye Care’s Impact” was characterized with great joy, with over 800 recipients who had their free cataract surgery.

One of them Elder Gilbert Okosa commended the efforts of the members of the Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate and Indo Eye Care Foundation for organizing such a programme for them.

“I did not believe it but I did the surgery and it was successful. Before I came, I could not see anything but now, I can see clearly. A friend introduced this place to me and I gave it a try and everything is well.”

In his account, Mr. Olugbenga Paul appreciated the organizers for the assistance rendered.

“In 2012, when I had surgery on my right eye, I spent so much money but coming for a free eye surgery on my left eye in the Indo Eye foundation was unbelievable. But, it is real and seamless. I can pray that God will continue to bless the organizers.The doctor who manned the surgery section, Dr. Idakwo Ugbede also applauded the organizers.

“It is a great reward for helping humanity and giving back to society. When people walk blindly on the street, it contributes negatively to the economy of the country.

“With 800 people whose eyes have been restored, it is a lot of relief for the economy because people will be able to go back to their work and business and add value to their lives and the economy.”

In his speech, the Consul General of India, Shri Chandramouli Kern, said, “Seeing is a divine light so when you come to Indo Eye care, you are certain that you will see. The contribution of Indo Eye Care is a great vision on the lives of Nigerians. All the surgeries carried out are free. I am happy that the Indian Community has brought a significant contribution to Nigeria especially Lagos State. The facility is owned by the Indian Community. I am grateful for supporters and the community that contributed to success in Lagos.”

In his reaction, the DG Rotary Club 9111, Rotn Oluwole Kukoyi commended the Consul General for his intervention especially ensuring that Rotary District is strong in the area of health.

“We have come to see the work you are doing and I can confirm that the facility is the best for cataract surgery. I am certain that the organization will partner with the Indo Eye Care in order to restore people’s sight.”

Also, Rotn Tarun Sanghvi , Eye Care foundation, “My gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Health for the support to the activities of the Indo Eye Care. We have done over 2500 surgeries in the centre and every day, when people come to the centre, they are given free services and free eye glasses. It is our duty as human beings to help other people. The Indian Community supports Indo Eye Care and we have been rendering these services for the past ten years.”

In her response, the president of the Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, Rotn Omoye Evbota, said the programme was a significant milestone in the initiative’s journey to restore vision and improve lives in underserved communities.

“Partnering with an organization like Indo Eye Care would have a significant impact on the community and offering 810 free cataract surgeries could restore vision and improve the quality of life for many individuals”, she said.