The Oluyole Local Government Area, in collaboration with Samaritans Foundation and two other agencies, has distributed free medical glasses to over 200 beneficiaries with eye defects at a jointly organized Free Medical Outreach.
The event, held on Friday, November 8, at the Oluyole LG Secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, saw a large turnout of individuals, many of whom had struggled with vision issues and lacked the means to afford corrective eyewear.
Engr. Akeem Olatunji, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole, disclosed that the collaboration between Oluyole Local Government, Samaritans Heart For Humanity Foundation, Compassionate For The Aged Foundation, and Salvation Initiative For The Vulnerables was pivotal to his administration’s goals.
He further explained that, after a diagnostic exercise, individuals with standard eye conditions would receive the necessary treatment along with free eyeglasses, while those with severe cataract cases would be referred to Lagos for proper surgery—all at no cost.
The free eye care initiative was supported by a team of volunteer medical professionals and optometrists, who conducted the eye tests and distributed the glasses. Eyewear of varying prescriptions was available, and those who required more specialized lenses were given referrals for further treatment.
ALSO READ: Troops neutralise 70 terrorists in Borno
The outreach also raised awareness about common eye conditions such as cataracts and refractive errors, which are prevalent in many communities but often go untreated due to a lack of awareness or access to healthcare.
A highlight of the event was the provision of free prescription eyeglasses, which were given to those in need after undergoing eye examinations.
Individuals of all ages and both genders attended the outreach, with a special focus on senior citizens and children, who are often more vulnerable to vision impairments.
In addition to eye care diagnostics and services, the combined medical team also provided free general health check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and health consultations.
According to Olatunji, the outreach was part of the LG’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and support the well-being of its people at the grassroots level. He assured that arrangements had been made to safely transport individuals with severe cataract cases to Lagos for free surgery.
Residents from various communities, particularly the elderly within the local government, flocked to the Secretariat early in the morning, eager to take advantage of the free healthcare services being offered.
Speaking before declaring the event officially open, the Executive Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and highlighted the benefits the people of the local government would gain by continuing to support and cooperate with the present administration at both state and local government levels.
He emphasized the importance of making healthcare services available to all, particularly at the grassroots, where many people face economic vulnerabilities and may otherwise struggle to access such services.
He stated that the free medical outreach was in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for providing affordable and qualitative healthcare to ensure a healthy population.
While commending the partnering foundations for their belief in Oluyole’s vision and commitment to good governance at the grassroots level, Olatunji noted that this gesture would greatly improve the overall well-being of all participants.
He assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with stakeholders across various sectors to bring about needed grassroots development in Oluyole Local Government.
“We are committed to ensuring that our people have access to the basic healthcare services they deserve. Many individuals here today would have had to spend a significant amount of money to get their eyes tested and receive glasses. But through this outreach, Oluyole Local Government, in collaboration with Samaritans Heart For Humanity Foundation, Compassionate For The Aged Foundation, and Salvation Initiative For The Vulnerables, is providing that care for free.
“We have made provisions for those battling advanced cataract cases to be transported to Lagos, where they will receive free surgery from medical experts.
“Everything we’re doing in Oluyole Local Government is in line with the vision of the Executive Governor, who has provided Oyo State with the best roadmap for sustainable development. It’s a holistic problem-solving blueprint, and that’s why we’re fully committed to it, ensuring cohesion in policies and programs at both the state and grassroots levels.”
For many participants, the event was a life-changing experience. Alhaji Tiamiyu and Mrs. Omolabake, two elderly attendees, expressed their gratitude after receiving free diagnostic services and a pair of glasses each.
“I have been struggling to see clearly for months now. I couldn’t afford the cost of eyeglasses, so I had just been managing. Today, I am so happy that I can finally see properly again,” Mrs. Omolabake said, beaming with joy.
