By Ebi Nieketien
The Delta State Government has commended VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and its partner, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), for providing free eye screening and treatment services to residents of Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas through the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme.
The exercise, which began in Ashaka, concluded in Umusadege, Kwale, attracting a large number of beneficiaries from both communities.
Speaking at Umusadege, the representative of the Commissioner for Health and Programme Manager, Eye Health Programme in the state, Dr. Gloria Mok, described the initiative as a major boost to access to quality eye health services, particularly for indigent residents.
She noted that the partnership between VCDF, supported by SEEPCO, and the Delta State Government would significantly expand access to essential eye care services, including free cataract surgeries, screenings, medications and corrective glasses for residents across the state.
According to her, the SPECS Programme, approved for implementation in 2025, is designed to bring high-quality primary eye care closer to communities through existing Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state.
Dr Mok explained that the initiative would further strengthen the State Eye Health Programme and expand the coverage of the ongoing Jigibola Campaign, currently active in all 75 Primary Health Care centres across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state. She disclosed that over 127,000 pairs of glasses have so far been distributed, while more than 230 healthcare workers have been trained in primary eye care services.
She expressed optimism that the programme would gradually be extended to other Local Government Areas to ensure that every citizen has access to quality eye care services.
Also speaking, eye specialist, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, said the initiative was designed to eliminate barriers preventing rural dwellers from accessing essential eye care by taking treatment directly to their communities.
He stressed that the programme is not a one-off medical outreach but a long-term, sustainable intervention integrated into the primary healthcare system, with strong support from SEEPCO as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to host communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Prince Nwanze, who received a pair of glasses after screening, expressed gratitude to VCDF and SEEPCO for what he described as a timely humanitarian intervention that has significantly reduced the financial burden of eye treatment on residents.
VCDF, with the consistent support of SEEPCO, has implemented similar eye care interventions in other states of the federation, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to quality and sustainable eye health services across Nigeria.
