SEEPCO and VCDF Launch Free Cataract Surgeries in Delta to Combat Blindness
The 2024 Nigeria National Eye Health Survey reveals that cataracts are responsible for 44 percent of blindness cases in Nigeria, where more than 1.1 million individuals live with vision impairment. In response to this critical health issue, the Cataract Surgery Unit extension at Central Hospital Kwale has collaborated with the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) team to restore vision to hundreds of patients. This initiative marks the beginning of free cataract surgeries conducted by VCDF's specialized eye surgery team.
Addressing a Pressing Health Crisis in Delta State
In Delta State, untreated cataracts affect over 25,000 residents, highlighting a significant public health challenge. To tackle this, VCDF has partnered with the Delta State Ministry of Health to perform surgeries at the Cataract Surgery Unit (CSU) under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme. The SPECS-Cataract Surgery Unit receives full support from Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), leveraging corporate social responsibility efforts to enhance eye care accessibility.
Beyond surgical interventions, the programme includes training on primary care service delivery to strengthen the capacity of health workers and the public health system. Notably, 87 health workers have been trained, and 2,447 people were screened during 62 screening camps held across Delta State, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to eye health.
Successful Implementation and Community Impact
On February 26, 2026, VCDF successfully conducted its first set of cataract surgeries at Central Hospital Kwale, serving beneficiaries from the Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West communities in Delta State. The health team from VCDF conducted patient screenings in these communities and transported individuals to the CSU, where certified ophthalmologists performed pre-operative assessments and free surgeries. Post-surgery, patients received medications and protective eye shields, with follow-up visits arranged to ensure optimal recovery and ongoing care.
The outreach for cataract surgeries attracted large participation from both young and elderly residents, with key participants emphasizing the transformative impact on the community. Godwin Ifeanyi Edema of Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom in Kwale described the effect as immediate and life-changing for residents. Emeke Odigili, a beneficiary, expressed joy, stating he had nearly lost hope of seeing clearly again until receiving free cataract surgery from VCDF.
Expert Insights and Future Plans
Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, an Ophthalmologist at VCDF's SPECS-CSU, commented, "Cataract remains one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness, and timely surgery can completely restore vision. To date, the team has conducted 113 successful surgeries in Delta State." Philip Ukemezia, VCDF's Programmes Manager, added, "Today marks a major milestone for VCDF as we restore sight and dignity to residents of nine LGAs in Akwa Ibom and Delta. VCDF has leveraged SEEPCO's corporate social responsibility efforts to screen 11,858 individuals and perform over 1,070 successful cataract and pterygium surgeries. VCDF plans to extend free eye surgery services to neighboring LGAs and states."
The commencement of these free cataract surgeries reaffirms the foundation's commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality, and sustainable eye health services across Nigeria, addressing a critical need in underserved communities.
