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The Healthy and Smart Children Foundation (HSCF) has successfully concluded its flagship eye-health intervention, restoring vision to 100 indigent cataract patients through free cataract surgeries conducted in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The project, described as one of the largest community-based eye health interventions in the area, went beyond surgery to provide comprehensive eye care services to thousands of residents.
Before the surgical phase commenced, under the “God’s Gift of Sight” project, the Foundation embarked on an extensive community eye health campaign across seven autonomous communities in Afikpo, where over 4,000 residents received free eye screening.
During the exercise, approximately 2,500 individuals diagnosed with presbyopia and other refractive conditions were provided with free reading glasses, while hundreds of others received medications and treatment for various eye ailments.
The outreach also enabled the medical team to identify and document patients living with cataracts, who were subsequently enrolled for the free surgical intervention.
The cataract surgeries were carried out over four consecutive weekends at Centre of Hope Hospital, Afikpo, by a multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, pharmacists, counsellors, and volunteers dedicated to restoring sight and improving the quality of life of vulnerable members of the community.
*Project Manager speaks on initiative*
Speaking with our reporter at the conclusion of the project, the Project Manager, Mr. Fredrick Oko-Otu, described the initiative as a demonstration of what can be achieved when compassion, professionalism, and community partnership come together.
“For us, this project is not merely about performing surgeries. It is about restoring dignity, independence, productivity, and hope. Watching beneficiaries see their loved ones again after years of blindness has been the greatest reward for every member of our team,” he said.
“The Foundation’s Executive Director, Dr. Christian Oko, must be widely commended for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities.
“His passion for humanitarian service and strategic leadership provided the driving force behind the successful planning and execution of the Gods Gift of Sight project.
“Under his leadership, Healthy and Smart Children Foundation has continued to implement impactful health, education, and community development programmes that directly improve the lives of vulnerable populations,”he said.
*Foundation director speaks*
Also speaking with our reporter, Executive Director of Healthy and Smart Children Foundation (HSCF), Dr. Christian Oko, said that, in Nigeria, cataracts account for approximately 43 percent of blindness cases.
He said the development has made community-based interventions such as God’s Gift of Sight an important strategy for reducing avoidable blindness and improving public health outcomes.
He commended medical professionals and members of the Foundation for dedicating themselves to ensuring the beneficiaries recovered their sights.
He said: “The success of the community mobilisation efforts is largely attributed to Mr. Maurice Ekuma, Community Engagement Officer, whose tireless grassroots coordination, engagement with community leaders, and volunteer mobilisation ensured an impressive turnout during the screening exercises.
“His dedication played a critical role in identifying beneficiaries and creating awareness about the availability and importance of the free eye care services.
“Leading the surgical team was Dr. Ginger Eke, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Lead Surgeon, whose exceptional expertise and commitment ensured that all 100 cataract surgeries were completed successfully.
“Throughout the outreach, Dr. Eke demonstrated outstanding professionalism, mentoring members of the medical team while providing beneficiaries with high-quality surgical care that has transformed lives and restored hope.
“The Foundation also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Mrs. Beatrice Oko, who coordinated the feeding arrangements throughout the four-week surgical outreach.
“Her commitment ensured that patients, caregivers, medical personnel, and volunteers were well catered for each day, creating a warm and supportive environment that contributed significantly to the smooth running of the programme.
“Following the surgery, beneficiaries returned for post-operative assessments, where many experienced the emotional joy of having their eye dressings removed and seeing clearly for the first time in years.
“The atmosphere was filled with smiles, tears of gratitude, and heartfelt testimonies from patients who described the intervention as life-changing.
“According to the World Health Organisation, cataract remains the leading cause of blindness globally, despite being treatable through a relatively simple and highly effective surgical procedure.
“In Nigeria, cataracts account for approximately 43 percent of blindness cases, making community-based interventions such as God’s Gift of Sight an important strategy for reducing avoidable blindness and improving public health outcomes.
“The Foundation expressed profound appreciation to Centre of Hope Hospital for providing its eye theatre and partnering in the successful delivery of the surgical outreach.
“Appreciation is also extended to the team of surgeons, doctors, optometrists, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers, community leaders, donors, and partners whose collective efforts made the project possible.”
“Community leaders and beneficiaries have described the intervention as one of the most impactful health programmes ever implemented in Afikpo, noting that it has not only restored vision but also renewed hope for hundreds of families.”
“As the God’s Gift of Sight project concludes, Healthy and Smart Children Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare through sustainable, community-driven interventions that address preventable diseases and improve the well-being of underserved populations.
“For the Foundation, the numbers tell only part of the story: over 4,000 people screened, about 2,500 reading glasses distributed, hundreds treated with medications, and 100 successful cataract surgeries completed.
“Behind every statistic is a person whose life has been transformed, a family whose burden has been lifted, and a community inspired by the power of compassionate healthcare.
“When sight is restored, hope is restored—and when communities come together, lives are transformed,” he added.
