Sight for All: Vcare for Development Foundation, Building Equitable Partnerships for Sustainable Eye Care Services (SPECS)

In a significant stride towards making a lasting impact on communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) a registered non-profit organization with its headquarters in Lagos and a dedicated Field Office in Akwa Ibom State is committed to bring long-term socio-economic and environmental change through integrated health, comprehensive education, sustainable livelihoods, and social inclusion.

VCDF journey in Akwa Ibom to enhance eye care services has begun with the successful execution of first screening camp at Okoroette and Okomobokho communities. This initial effort laid the foundation for subsequent screening camps which took place in the other communities of Iko, Atabrikang, and Amadaka all in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

The inauguration of the SPECS program in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area was a resounding success. The occasion witnessed the active participation and representation of key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, religious figures, community volunteers and members.

In total, VCDF has engaged with 10 Ophthalmic Clinical Officers (OICs) and 56 community volunteers who have been trained in the SPECS program, collectively forming a strong foundation for the sustainability of eyecare initiatives. This comprehensive approach would help to continue to provide essential eye health services and make a lasting impact on the communities that the organization serves.

VCDF aims at extending easily accessible primary eye care services, including screening and diagnosis, to reach a minimum of 6000 individuals residing in 56 communities within Eastern Obolo. For those with refractive errors, the foundation has committed to providing reading glasses, to ensure improved vision. Furthermore, cataract surgeries and other eye-related issues for 250 identified patients in Eastern Obolo through esteemed technical partner, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) will be addressed.

A total of 885 individuals have already undergone thorough eye screening, ensuring their eye health was assessed thoroughly. Out of these, 906 received essential medications, including eye drops, tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, 496 individuals were equipped with much-needed glasses, significantly improving their visual clarity and quality of life. Through the SPECS program, VCDF identified 166 cases of cataracts and pterygium, requiring surgical intervention to restore vision and enhance overall eye health. So far, 248 cases have been reportedly supported with surgery operations.

SPECS program will be responsible for overseeing and providing eyecare services, ensuring the continuity and quality of eye care services. Furthermore, VCDF recognizes the importance of ongoing education and awareness about issues surrounding blindness and visual impairment. SPECS program plans to extend to other states across Nigeria in collaboration with state government, health administrations, similar organizations, and other stakeholders for the advancements in eyecare services.