The Rotary Club Zone 2, D9111, has held a two-day free eye screening and cataract surgery exercise in Lagos State.
The event, which came under the theme, ‘Free Cataract Surgery Outreach’, brought together beneficiaries, medical professionals, and Rotary members to provide access to quality eye care services.
Speaking at the event, President, Rotary Club of Gowon Estate, Lagos, Ibiam Festus explained that the decision of Rotary Zone 2, D9111 to embark on a free cataract surgery outreach was informed by a deep concern for community health, the economic hardship faced by vulnerable people, and Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service.
According to him, Cataracts can cause severe visual impairment and blindness, adding that the outreach seeks to help affected individuals regain their sight, independence, dignity, and confidence.
‘Many people, particularly low-income earners, cannot afford cataract surgery. Providing free surgery removes a major financial barrier to treatment’, he added.
To him, restoring sight enables beneficiaries to return to work, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to society.
He explained that the initiative tagged ‘The Mission for Vision’ (M4V) reflected the importance of identifying genuine health challenges within the communities and developing practical interventions that address them.
He affirmed that the project demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to service, collaboration, and creating lasting impact through sustainable community interventions.
‘By mobilising Rotary Clubs, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and other stakeholders, Zone 2 can reach more people than individual Clubs might be able to serve alone,’ he added.
He recalled that during the two-day exercise, which held at Royal Estate LASU Isheri road Egbeda and Sango Primary Health Care, Agege, about 342 patients underwent eye-screening while total cataract patients identified were 83 in the two days screening exercise.
‘After the screening exercise, patients identified with eye conditions are referred for further medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.
‘Those diagnosed with cataracts are assessed for eligibility for free cataract surgery, while other patients receive the necessary medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals.
‘This demonstrates the importance of taking healthcare services closer to people who need them.
‘The initiative aligns with Rotary District 9111’s broader Mission for Vision programme, which supports free cataract surgeries and eye-care services for people in need.
‘The motivation is simple; no one should lose their sight or remain unnecessarily blind because they cannot afford treatment.
‘Zone 2’s decision represents a commitment to transforming lives, restoring hope, strengthening families, and demonstrating that Rotary is not merely an organisation that talks about service but one that takes practical action to improve human lives’, he said.
On her part, Chairman 2026/2027 Mission for Vision District 9111, Chandra Nalode said the eye screening and the surgery exercise were aimed at restoring sight to the needy, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to disease prevention and community health.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to BusinessDay Sunday commended Rotary for the life-changing intervention, noting that the free surgery will restore their sight and give them a new life.
The Mission for Vision (M4V) programme is said to be an annual initiative of Rotary District 9111.