Hon. Dr Kehinde Bello has called for improved access to affordable eye care services, stressing the need for early detection and treatment of vision problems.
Bello made the call while speaking with newsmen at the sideline of one-day optical medical outreach tagged Jigi Bello held in Ijebu Imushin on Saturday.
The programme is with the theme, “Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope, and Transforming Lives through Accessible Eye Care.”
He said the initiative was designed to improve the health, dignity and well-being of beneficiaries by bringing essential eye care services closer to underserved communities.
Bello, the General Manager, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) added that the programme targeted 1,000 residents.
He described sight as one of life’s most precious gifts, noting that good vision was essential for children’s learning, academic performance, economic productivity and the independence of older people.
He, however, expressed concern that many Nigerians continued to experience preventable or treatable vision problems because of financial constraints, inadequate information and limited access to eye care facilities.
According to him, some people live with blurred vision for years without obtaining prescription glasses, while others delay treatment because they cannot afford medical services.
He said untreated vision problems could affect educational opportunities, reduce productivity, increase dependence on family members and diminish people’s quality of life.
Bello said the outreach demonstrated the importance of taking healthcare services beyond hospital walls to reach underserved populations and promote equitable access to medical care.
The senior special adviser to the governor added that the programme would provide opportunities for early detection, professional advice, appropriate treatment and referrals for beneficiaries requiring further medical attention.
He , however, noted that a single medical outreach could not address every eye health challenge, stressing the need for sustained awareness, stronger partnerships and continuous access to healthcare services.
Bello urged Nigerians to undergo regular eye examinations, particularly children, older adults, people living with diabetes and individuals experiencing changes in their vision.
He also advised the public to seek urgent medical attention for sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, significant redness, flashes or floaters, warning against indiscriminate use of medicated eye drops and unverified traditional remedies.
He emphasised that receiving prescription glasses or undergoing basic screening did not necessarily replace comprehensive eye examinations or specialist treatment where required.
Bello said restoring sight could also restore opportunities, citing the benefits of improved vision for students, traders, farmers, artisans and older adults seeking to maintain their independence.
Bello said protecting people’s vision was an investment in education, productivity, independence and human dignity, calling for collective efforts to eliminate barriers to affordable eye care.
He expressed hope that the Jigi Bello initiative would promote a healthier and more inclusive society where no child struggled academically or any individual was denied appropriate eye care because of financial hardship.
He added that improving access to eye care would enable people to pursue their aspirations, recognise opportunities and participate more effectively in community and political activities.
The OGEPA boss also hinted that the programme was also in support of all All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the governorship candidate of APC, Olamilekan Adeola, Ogun East senatorial candidate, Gov. Dapo Abiodun meant well for the state and its residents.
Earlier, the Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government, Oluwadare Kehinde, commended Bello for the initiative.
Kehinde explained that the gesture would touch the people directly and would also have economic impact.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Johnson, Administrative Manager, Indo Eye Care Foundation, explained that regular eye check remained important.
“A lot of people are blind but they don’t know until they do eye check.
This programme is important for community like this ,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries,
Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Mufutau Kasali , also lauded the brain behind the initiative.
Kasali called on philanthropist and other well meaning individuals to follow same gesture, nothing that government alone can not do it.
Other beneficiaries from Ijebu East , Ijebu North and Ogun waterside constituencies also praised the sponsor of the free eye screening.
They noted that both the screening and the free eye glasses were free without any payment or connection with anyone.
The programme also feature free blood pressure test.
