Women Optometrists Restore Hope With Eye Care Outreach In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), has provided free eye care services to hundreds of children and residents during a national eye care outreach at Abuja Children Home, Karu, Abuja.

The outreach, held in Abuja, was organised as part of activities marking the 49th Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) Annual Scientific Conference, Vision Expo 2026 and the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) Annual General Meeting.

The initiative brought together volunteer optometrists, healthcare professionals, partners and supporters who provided comprehensive eye examinations, vision screening, patient counselling, prescription glasses, medications and referrals for specialised care where necessary.

During the programme, the chairperson of WON, FCT Chapter, Dr Nibhoje Udom, expressed appreciation to members of the association, partners, volunteers and sponsors for their support.

Udom said the outreach reflected WON’s commitment to making quality eye care accessible, particularly children and women in underserved communities.

Declaring the outreach open, the national president of WON, Dr Ogechi Nwokedi, commended the volunteers and described community eye health as one of the association’s highest priorities.

She said preventable blindness remained a major public health concern and urged Nigerians to embrace regular eye examinations as part of maintaining good health and quality of life.

The health education session, delivered by Dr Kelechi Tabuko, focused on routine eye examinations, early detection of eye diseases, proper eye care practices and the dangers of self-medication.

Tabuko stressed that many eye conditions could be managed or prevented when detected early, urging participants to seek professional eye care promptly whenever they noticed changes in their vision.

During the medical outreach, optometrists and volunteers conducted comprehensive eye examinations and vision screening for children and adults.

Beneficiaries diagnosed with refractive errors received prescription glasses, while those requiring treatment were given medications. Cases requiring further evaluation and management were referred to appropriate eye care facilities for continuity of care.

Beyond the eye care services, WON also presented essential supplies to Abuja Children Home to support the welfare of children living in the home.

A representative of the orphanage, Miss Uduak, expressed appreciation to the association for remembering the children and surrounding community.

The Public Relations Officer of WON, FCT Chapter, Dr Ada Mmaduagwu, described the outreach as a demonstration of the association’s commitment to service and advocacy.

Mmaduagwu said, “This outreach embodies the true spirit of the Women Optometrists in Nigeria. Beyond providing eye care, we are restoring dignity, hope and opportunities for people who may otherwise not have access to these essential services.”

She added that every pair of glasses dispensed, eye disease detected early and child whose vision was protected represented another life positively impacted, stressing the association’s commitment to healthier communities through sustained advocacy, partnerships and accessible eye care.

The outreach concluded with expressions of gratitude from beneficiaries, community leaders and volunteers, while children received quality eye care and relief materials.