No fewer than 4,218 patients, who are residents of Edo and Delta states, have benefited from free eye surgeries sponsored by Seplat Energy PLC in the last 12 years.
Chioma Afe, director of External Affairs and Sustainability of the company made this known at the ongoing free, tagged, “Eye Can See”, a Seplat Joint Venture Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative.
Afe stated that the free eye surgeries programme started in 2012, adding that though 96,000 persons were screened, only 4,218 were treated and 45,000 were given free reading glasses in the two states that are host communities to Seplat Energy PLC.
She said the Eye Can See Programme was designed to ensure provision of eye care, visual and surgical treatment for cataract and other eye problems among members of its host communities in Edo and Delta states.
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Afe said this year’s free eye care programme was simultaneously conducted in about 90 communities in 13 different centres in Edo and Delta states and would run for one month.
“In the Eye Can See Programme we are geared towards providing quality healthcare to our communities. We provide a platform for managing and referring patients living with hypertension and diabetics because these are the underlying factors that also lead to eye sight problems.
“We provide free optical treatment at all level to members of these communities. Prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision. We also provide free reading glasses. We treat every and any other eye related cases that we observed.
“As a responsible corporate entity with mission that is focused on driving sustainability and add impact in our communities and in our nation, this programme is aimed at promoting healthy life and well being at all ages in line with the Sustainability Development Goals 3, good health and well being”, she said.
Earlier, Stanley Obamwonyi, the Representative of Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, commended the Seplat Energy PLC for the annual eye care programme.
He, however, urged the management to sustain the programme for the benefit of the host communities and other stakeholders.
