Rolan Foundation Provides Free Eye Care, Glasses To Hundreds In Ibadan
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — HUNDREDS of residents in Ibadan benefited from a free eye health outreach organised by the Rolan Foundation on Saturday, as the foundation provided eye examinations, medications and corrective glasses to underserved members of the public.
The outreach, held at T.L. Oyesina Model Senior Secondary School in the Monatan area of Ibadan, offered free eye check-ups, distribution of eye drops and prescription glasses for beneficiaries aged 38 years and above.
Speaking during the programme, the State Coordinator of the foundation, Solomon Adewole, said the initiative was part of the organisation’s effort to improve access to eye care services, particularly for vulnerable people who cannot afford treatment.
“This is not the first time we are organising this outreach. We had the maiden edition in Ibadan in 2024, and this year we are also holding the programme in Ibadan, Akure in Ondo State, and Abuja,” Adewole said.
He explained that the Ibadan outreach was designed to serve at least 1000 beneficiaries, noting that about 500 people were targeted to receive glasses, while another 500 beneficiaries were scheduled to receive medications and other eye care treatment.
“Our target today is a minimum of 1000 beneficiaries, and we already have about 500 people on ground. To support this, we brought more than 500 glasses, over 500 eye drops and other medications to ensure everyone who needs help receives it,” he said.
Adewole disclosed that a team of seven optometrists and six nurses from the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board Eye Unit were deployed to provide professional services during the exercise.
He also highlighted the partnerships that made the outreach possible, including collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Education, local security agencies and community groups.
“We partnered with the Ministry of Education through the Honourable Commissioner’s office and the school management to use this facility. We also engaged pensioners’ associations, artisans, churches and mosques to ensure inclusivity,” he said.
“We reached out to about 20 churches and 10 mosques to inform people about the programme so that those who genuinely need eye care services can benefit.”
The coordinator added that the initiative was supported by the Catholic Medical Mission Board in Canada, which supplied medical equipment and materials used for the outreach.
According to him, data showing a high prevalence of untreated eye defects among Nigerians, especially among low-income earners, informed the foundation’s intervention.
“A lot of people have eye defects but cannot afford treatment out of pocket. Considering the poverty rate and the fact that many Nigerians do not have health insurance, we decided to step in to bridge that gap,” Adewole said.
“All the services here are completely free. Not a single beneficiary paid for the glasses, medications or consultations.”
Adewole also called on the Oyo State Government to increase investment in eye care services and establish specialised facilities dedicated to eye health in the state.
“I believe the state government can do more by establishing designated eye health facilities and providing stronger support for non-profit organisations working in this sector so that our impact can be amplified,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Olatunji Muideen Babatunde, who was represented by the board’s Eye Health Coordinator, Victoria Ogunlade, commended the foundation for supporting efforts to improve access to eye care services in the state.
“We want to appreciate Rolan Foundation for the great job they have done today for the people of Oyo State,” she said.
“Eye care is very important to the health of individuals. Many people in underserved communities do not have access to proper eye treatment, and programmes like this help prevent avoidable blindness.”
She also called on more organisations to partner with the state in delivering free eye care services to residents.
“We appeal to more NGOs and partners to come to Oyo State and support us in providing eye care services for our people, especially those in rural and underserved communities,” Ogunlade said.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisers for the free services.
A 65-year-old beneficiary, Elizabeth Adesina, said the outreach came at a time when she needed it most.
“I have been having difficulty seeing clearly, but I could not afford to go to the hospital. Today they examined my eyes and gave me glasses free of charge. I am very grateful,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Salami Olaide, 60, also described the initiative as a relief for many elderly residents struggling with vision problems.