By Daniel Ayantoye
As part of contributions to saving sight of those with eye problems in Kwara State, the final year medical students of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) have sponsored free eye screening, cataract surgery and distribution of glasses to some residents of Ilorin.
The two-day programme was organised by the students in conjunction with the Ophthalmology department of the hospital.
No fewer than 155 people were screened, 29 benefited free eye surgeries while 49 were given free medicated eye glasses.
Explaining the rationale for the programme, the president of the 2017 Class of the medical students, Adeosun Isaac said the initiative is borne out of the desire to contribute to the community.
While appreciating the school management for supporting the initiative, Isaac disclosed that the medical exercise was made possible through the help of the department of Ophthalmology.
He expressed optimism that the initiative if sustained by other students will go a long way in reducing blindness and other eye defects in the state.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke during the screening exercise lauded the initiative.
Retired civil servants, Dr. Rueben Babarinde and Elder Samuel Babatunde commended organisers of the programme, noting that it would provide succour to the less privileged.
They unanimously called for the sustenance of the programme towards eradicating blindness in Kwara communities.
A beneficiary of eye surgery, Alhaji Mahmud Usman applauded the programme, which he said has saved his sight.
Meanwhile, the Ophthalmologist in charge of Community Health, UITH, Dr. Feyisayo Grace Adepoju urged members of the public to be conscious of their health status, stressing that government alone cannot bear the cost of health treatment for the populace.
She, therefore, called on well-to-do individuals, corporate bodies as well as non- governmental organisations to contribute to the sector.
Speaking on cataract, Adepoju noted that it is an eye challenge that causes blurriness of the eye, adding that if not treated early enough could lead to blindness.
