Wunti Al-Khair Foundation Launches Eye Care Programme For 1,000 Vulnerable Persons
By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, in partnership with Albasar International Foundation and Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, has commenced a free eye care intervention targeting hundreds of vulnerable residents across Bauchi State.
The intervention includes cataract surgeries, eye screening, prescription glasses, eye medications and other specialized eye care services aimed at addressing preventable visual impairment and blindness.
Speaking during the exercise, the Health Officer of Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Abduljabbar Isma’il, said the initiative was designed to provide free eye care services to at least 500 vulnerable individuals, with plans to increase the number of beneficiaries.
He explained that beneficiaries undergo initial screening before being categorized according to their specific needs, including medication, eyeglasses or surgical intervention.
According to him, those requiring surgery are referred to Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, while patients needing drugs or corrective lenses receive them immediately after assessment.
Abduljabbar noted that the foundation has implemented similar interventions in previous years with significant impact and disclosed plans to expand the programme to other parts of Bauchi State, including Bauchi Central and Bauchi South Senatorial Zones.
He said the intervention is aimed at reducing the burden of medical expenses on vulnerable people who cannot afford eye care services.
Also speaking, an ophthalmologist from Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Dr. Bala Salisu Abba, said the medical team was conducting comprehensive screening for cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, retinal diseases and other eye conditions.
He explained that patients requiring advanced treatment beyond the hospital’s scope would be referred to appropriate specialist facilities within and outside Nigeria.
Dr. Abba stressed the importance of routine eye examinations, noting that many eye diseases develop without obvious symptoms and may lead to irreversible blindness if not detected early.
He advised members of the public to undergo eye check-ups at least once every year to enable early diagnosis and treatment of eye-related conditions.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Haladu Sale Chigero and Hauwa’u Adamu, commended the foundation for the gesture, describing the intervention as timely and beneficial.
They offered prayers for the founder of the foundation, Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, and expressed optimism that the programme would help address their eye health challenges and improve their quality of life.
