Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in collaboration with Yaba Local Council Development Area {Yaba LCDA), Lagos State Ministry of Health and Albasaar International Foundation have commenced four thousand free eye screening and four hundred free cataract surgery for people residing in Lagos.
The eye Screening and cataract surgery was flagged off at YABATECH Multipurpose Hall on Saturday, December 16 and expected to lapse on Thursday, December 22, 2023 with activities of the exercise commencing at 8:00 a.m daily.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the screening exercise, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul said that apart from impacting knowledge and training future leaders, YABATECH is keen in promotion of good eye health.
Dr. Abdul noted that the ability to see is a precious gift that millions of people around the world took for granted. A simple eye condition can lead to significant vision impairment or even blindness which has prompted the college to collaborate at taking a proactive step of promoting free eye screening and preventing the onset of potentially bad eye conditions; the Rector claimed.
A cataract is a cloudy area that forms in the lens of a person’s eye which can cause vision to become foggy or blurry. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, and it involves removing the damaged lens of the eye and replacing it to restore vision.
In his words, the collaboration between YABATECH, Yaba LCDA, Lagos State Ministry of Health and Albasar International Foundation is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing important community health issues, and together we will be able to reach more people, provide better resources and make a more significant impact on the well-being of our community.
He urged Lagosians to take advantage of this opportunity to have their eyes screened as early detection is key in preserving many eye conditions from worsening and it is crucial for maintaining good eye health, he emphasized that our vision should not be taken for granted as it is worth investing in its care.
The Chief Consultant of (AIF), Dr. Fayaz Ahmed hinted that the foundation that has its Headquarter in Saudi Arabia is saddled with the responsibility of conducting free eye screening for people within and outside Nigeria, in which they have done in Kano, Ibadan and this is the time for Lagos people to enjoy it.
He disclosed that immediately the test is being done, those that need drugs will be given drugs, those that need glasses will collect glasses, and those that have cataract will be taken to Gbagada General Hospital for advanced surgery that will not take much time, and collection of drugs, glasses and surgery are free of charge.
He established that advanced technological facilities with good quality surgery services, monitoring after surgery with provision of drugs and free biometrics and testing are guaranteed throughout the exercise.
Dr. Fayaz encouraged people in Lagos far and near to hurriedly take advantage of the free eye services considering its individual cost implication for an eye which may not be affordable by many.
The Executive Chairman Yaba LCDA, Hon. Dr. Kayode Adejare Omiyale affirmed that the primary objective of YABATECH is to produce graduates, but because of the passion to give back to the people that is why the College decided to involve in the eye screening, he thanked the institution for being the premier institution in Nigeria, and the first institution in the country to engage in such beneficial exercise.
According to him, “in Yaba LCDA, it is our responsibility to seek for the welfare of the people, and the screening exercise is for the benefit of YABA LCDA residents before it is extended to other people in Lagos”.
He thereby thanked YABATECH, Lagos State Ministry of Health, and Albasaar for the good gesture, which is a laudable innovation.
Presents at the events were Dr. Kabiru Bello, senior consultant, Dr. Sayna Sharif, a senior consultant and Dr. Adamu Bako, a consultant and ophthalmologist. Others were the principal officers of Yaba College of Technology and high officials of Yaba Local Council Development Area including the elders of the local council senatorial district.
The representative of Oba Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi, the lisa of Igbobi-Sabe, chief Ademola Owoyemi.
