Good health and well-being are fundamental elements of a thriving society. Among the key components of well-being, visual health plays a pivotal role in enhancing one‘s quality of life. The need for effective eye care initiatives becomes apparent as vision-related issues continue to rise globally.
Some of the Global known vision disorders include:
Refractive Errors: Refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, are among the most common vision disorders. Refractive errors are one of the most common eye conditions affecting individuals worldwide. They occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, leading to blurred vision. Refractive errors can affect individuals of all ages and can significantly impact their quality of life if left uncorrected.
Cataracts: Cataracts, characterised by the clouding of the eye‘s lens, are a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Cataracts are another prevalent eye condition that significantly impacts good health and well-being. They occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, leading to blurred vision and visual impairment. Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, but they can also be caused by factors such as genetics, trauma, or certain medical conditions
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, leading to central vision loss. The prevalence of AMD is increasing as populations age.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterised by optic nerve damage, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. This subsection addresses the prevalence of glaucoma, its impact on vision, and the need for early detection and treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment. This subsection explores the global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its link to the growing diabetes epidemic.
Vision disorders can significantly impact educational attainment and employment opportunities and an individual‘s quality of life generally, limiting independence, social participation, and overall well-being.
Studies have shown that developing regions often face greater challenges regarding access to eye care services, leading to higher prevalence rates of untreated vision disorders.
Also, underserved communities, including rural areas and marginalised populations, experience higher rates of vision disorders and limited access to eye care. The need for effective eye care initiatives becomes apparent especially in the developing regions and underserved communities.
The ‘Eye Can See’ programme, initiated by Seplat Energy Plc in partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, is a notable example of a much sort-after healthcare intervention, which focuses on eye care, visual aid, and surgical treatments for cataracts and other eye-related issues in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. The program also emphasizes on preventive measures and the management of underlying health conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
The primary objective of the program is to provide quality healthcare to host communities and reduce cases of permanent vision loss. Through a multi-faceted approach, the program aims to deliver eye surgeries, distribute free optical treatments and reading glasses, screen patients for underlying health conditions, and provide health education to participants. By targeting all age groups and genders, the program ensures inclusivity and addresses the specific needs of diverse communities.
The success of these intervention programs often relies on effective implementation strategies and strategic partnerships. Seplat Energy Plc collaborates with reputable medical practitioners, like the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to deliver high-quality eye care services. Additionally, their partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited showcases the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government entities to achieve sustainable impact.
Since its inception in 2012, the Seplat JV ‘Eye Can See’ programme has made significant impacts on the communities in Edo and Delta States. Over the course of 12 years, the programme has screened over 96,000 patients, provided reading glasses to more than 45,000 individuals, and performed 4,218 successful eye surgeries. These numbers reflect the tangible benefits received by beneficiaries, including restored vision, improved employability, and enhanced economic prospects for individuals and their families.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential. Seplat Energy Plc demonstrates its commitment to the ‘Eye Can See’ program by setting ambitious goals for future interventions, including serving 90 communities through 13 centers in 2023. The company also highlights the importance of technological advancements, such as laser technology, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of eye surgeries.
The success of Seplat Energy‘s ‘Eye Can See’ programme provides valuable insights for other organisations considering healthcare initiatives. Key lessons include the significance of community engagement, collaboration with local partners, customisation of programmes to address specific healthcare needs, and leveraging technology for improved outcomes. By adopting these best practices, companies can maximise the impact of their healthcare CSR programmes.
Speaking during the programme, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, said that the Seplat/ NNPC E&P ‘Eye Can See’ CSR programme aligns with the pursuit of good health and well-being which is what the UN Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3, which demonstrates Seplat Energy commitment to global best practices.
Afe added: “Since the inception of the programme in 2012, the lives of many in our host communities and other areas have been richly impacted. A total of 96,411 patients have been screened; 45,074 reading glasses have been dispensed; and 4,218 surgeries performed. And the 2023 edition, which was flagged off at the Oba’s Palace Benin, will further boost these numbers. About 90 communities will be served using 13 centres across Edo and Delta states.”
“With this, we are able to impact communities and families. People that were hitherto blind can see now; and they can go out and do work to earn a living. This is one of the indirect impacts of the programme.”
In his remarks, the Director, New Energy, Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, expressed gratitude to NNPC E&P Limited and other stakeholders involved in making the initiative a success. „We extend our sincere appreciation to the Oba of Benin Palace, the government of Edo and Delta states, and NNPC E&P Limited for their unwavering support. Their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the ‚Eye Can See’ Initiative over the years,“ Okon said.
He added that Seplat Energy and its partners will continue to work to boost the impacts of the programme leveraging relevant technologies and other resources whist appealing to the company’s host communities to always support its operations. “As you know, at Seplat Energy, we are purpose driven, we are here to serve and to give back to the society. And on that note, please we will like to continue to bank on your support going forward as you’ve always done. We anticipate that this intervention will continue and even outlive all of us.”
Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, thanked Seplat Energy and partners for the delivery of the programme, which he noted had been consistent over the years.
“We thank Seplat Energy ad its partners for the constant featuring of this Eye Can See programme, which has tremendously helped my people. We can only urge you to continue in this light,” the Oba said.
In his message, the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Zarah represented by the Deputy Manager Corporate Communicatons, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, expressed gratitude for the support received from the host communities and extended its appreciation to Seplat Energy for the partnership in implementing the ‘Eye Can See programme for 12 years. He said the collaboration between the two entities is aimed at enhancing eye care and visual aid services, including surgical treatments for various eye challenges within the operational communities.
The Seplat JV ‘Eye Can See’ programme delivers on the initial promise to provide professional health care to the communities; provides a platform for managing and referring patients living with hypertension and diabetes; provides free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities; prevents and reduces cases of permanent loss of vision; provides free reading glasses; treat other eye related diseases; educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Cataracts and Glaucoma; and educate patients on the lifestyle change to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.
Mr. Lucky Owvie and Mr. Alfred Obasuyi, who were beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude to Seplat Energy and NNPC E&P Ltd for the opportunity to receive treatment and regain their vision. They lauded the company‘s efforts in improving their lives and commended the ‘Eye Can See Initiative’ for its remarkable impact.
The ‘Eye Can See Initiative’ aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, focusing on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. Seplat Energy Plc and its partners remain committed to driving social development, fostering local entrepreneurship, and improving healthcare and education in the communities they operate in.
