The Ondo State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation, has commissioned an eye care centre at General Hospital, Idanre.
The newly commissioned eye care centre aims to complement the Millennium Eye Care Centre in Akure.
A post shared on their Facebook page on Wednesday revealed that the development will enhance quality affordable and accessible eye care services to the people of the state.
The initiative aligns with the commitment to tackling preventable sight loss for over 1.1 billion people globally by 2030.
The National Coordinator for the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo, during the launch of the health centre, explained that the presidential initiative was approved in December 2023, marking the second beneficiary state in Nigeria.
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Okolo emphasized the importance of vision, not only as a health concern but also as a socio-economic development issue.
She noted that good vision enables individuals to work efficiently, helps children learn better, and ensures that the elderly can live independently without the risk of falls or dependency.
She further stated that the vision centre would provide services at an affordable cost, in line with the President’s vision of ensuring clear sight for all.
Okolo urged the host community to collaborate with the eye care centre to maximize its efficiency and impact.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, expressed the state’s gratitude to the President and the National Eye Health Programme for their support in establishing and equipping the facility.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi, Ikuomola described the initiative as one of the core health programs of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, aimed at prioritizing the well-being of the state’s residents.
Highlighting Ondo State’s dedication to eye health, Ikuomola stated that the state was among the few to have launched a specialized eye care hospital in previous years.
“The initiative has been having tremendous successes and challenges, and today, this is the testament to the fact that we are expanding through this new facility in Idanre,” he said.
“We are also delighted with the staff of this hospital. We are certain that traffic will be at this center soon. We urge you to provide subsidized and quality service to the good people of the state.”
While assuring that her team would visit the hospital every Thursday for consultations, Dr. Stella Adegbehinge, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Chairman of the Eye Health Committee for Ondo State, applauded the initiative.
High Chief Neren Akinnawolu, who represented the Owa of Idanre, expressed appreciation to both the federal and state governments for establishing the eye care centre in their community. He pledged the community’s unwavering support to ensure the success of the facility.
