A new free eye care initiative has been launched to enhance eye health among women across the three senatorial zones of Enugu State by Balija Eye Care Foundation. The initiative, named "Sight is Life For Enugu Women," was unveiled during the 2024 Enugu Women August Meeting held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Okpara Square in Enugu.
While responding to the newsmen, Hon. Arinze Emmanuel Eze, the Director General of the initiative, and a former Senior Special Assistant to the former Governor of Enugu State explained that the project aims to address eye health issues among women, especially the elderly in rural areas with limited access to eye care. He stated, "This project supports the mission of the Governor’s Wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, in improving women's welfare in the state." Eze acknowledged the First Lady’s contributions in areas such as child abuse prevention, breast cancer awareness, domestic violence, and overall welfare, and expressed his intention to contribute through this eye care initiative.
The initiative was officially launched at the August Meeting, an annual event important to women in Igboland, under the theme “Eliminating Abuse to Foster a Healthy Society.” The event saw a large turnout of women from across the state.
Dr. Jude Ilodibe Onoja, Medical Director of Balija Eye Care Foundation, spoke to the attendees about the significance of eye care. He thanked the women for their enthusiasm for the initiative and discussed common eye conditions affecting the elderly in Africa, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Onoja stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups and announced that his team would soon tour all three senatorial zones in Enugu State to provide free eye exams, treatments, and distribute lenses to those in need.
Hosted by the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, the unveiling ceremony of the 2024 Enugu Women August Meeting was attended by notable guests, including Hajiya Nana Shettima, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu. Hajiya Shettima praised the Enugu State government's efforts and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to combat abuse and promote women's welfare.
The "Sight is Life For Enugu Women" program aims to make a substantial impact by providing crucial eye care services and support to the women of Enugu State, complementing ongoing efforts to enhance health and welfare in the region.
This program aims to address the critical need for vision care among women, particularly the elderly in rural communities.
With a focus on improving quality of life, "Sight is Life" will provide comprehensive eye examinations, free eyeglasses, and essential treatments for age-related eye conditions. Many elderly women in rural Enugu face significant barriers to accessing eye care services due to financial constraints and geographical isolation. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap, ensuring that these women receive the vision care they need to maintain their independence and well-being.
In addition to direct care, the foundation will conduct educational workshops to raise awareness about eye health and preventive measures. The initiative also plans to collaborate with local health workers to ensure the sustainability of the program and integrate it into existing healthcare efforts in the region.
By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the Balija Eye Care Foundation's "Sight is Life" initiative aims to empower women, enhance their quality of life, and foster a healthier, more connected community in Enugu State.
