Edo State provides free cataract surgery to residents

The Edo State Government in Nigeria is working with Tantita and Jovason Group and the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation to offer free cataract surgeries to people in Benin City and Ologbo.

Doctors are performing the surgeries at the Edo Specialist Hospital and a facility in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu of the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation emphasized that cataracts can affect people of all ages, even children, and early treatment is crucial for developing vision.

The foundation is focusing its efforts on rural and riverine communities where residents often lack access to specialist eye care. Okorodudu explained that cataract surgery replaces a cloudy lens with an artificial one, and can often be completed in 10 to 15 minutes. He also noted that the intervention aims to reverse blindness caused by cataracts, a condition that affects many but is treatable.

So far, the collaboration has completed 138 cataract surgeries in Ologbo and is continuing the program in Benin City, with 200 people receiving treatment overall. The average cost of surgery and medication for each patient is around 450,000 Nigerian Naira, but large-scale interventions lower the expense. Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, stated the program demonstrates the government’s commitment to healthcare for vulnerable residents, and highlighted the case of seven-year-old Falilah Lukman, who received surgery through the program.