Ikeja Lions Club in partnership with Kenna Foundation and the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) provided free eye care services including prescription eyeglasses and eye drops to residents of Isheri Olofin in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The humanitarian outreach held on October 8, 2026, at Isheri Olofin Garden in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Sight Day, themed “Love Your Eyes”. The initiative also reflected Ikeja Lions Club’s Journey for Sight programme and Kenna Foundation’s Justice for Vision initiative, both focused on promoting eye health and preventing avoidable blindness.
The programme commenced with an awareness walk to sensitize residents of the importance of protecting their sight. This was followed by comprehensive eye examinations and an educational session on eye care. More than 200 beneficiaries participated in the outreach and received professional attention for various eye health concerns.
The screening covered several conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy and other vision-related problems. Following the examinations, eligible beneficiaries received free eyeglasses and eye drops to support their vision and eye health needs.
Speaking on the outreach, Lion Prince Dr. Adegoke Akinola NLCF, President of Ikeja Lions Club, reaffirmed the Club’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of underserved communities through impactful humanitarian initiatives. He noted that access to quality eye care should not be a privilege reserved for a few but an essential service available to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. He expressed appreciation to Kenna Foundation and the Nigerian Optometric Association for their partnership and support, emphasizing that the collaboration demonstrated the power of collective action in preventing avoidable blindness and improving lives. He further pledged the Club’s continued dedication to its Journey for Sight programme and other service initiatives that promote healthier communities and bring hope to those in need.
Delivering the health talk, Dr. Taiwo Obomon, Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos State Chapter emphasized the importance of routine eye examinations and proper eye care practices. She explained that the outreach was designed to encourage people to appreciate their sight and take deliberate steps to preserve it throughout their lives.
Dr. Obomon cautioned against touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands, explaining that poor hygiene could introduce bacteria and cause infections such as conjunctivitis. She encouraged residents to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching their eyes.
She also advised individuals who spent extended periods using phones, laptops and computers to observe the 20-20-20 rule. The practice involves looking at an object approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time to help reduce eye strain.
Warning against unsafe home remedies, Dr. Obomon discouraged the application of substances such as urine, breast milk, sugar solutions, gin and traditional herbal mixtures to the eyes. She noted that such practices could damage the eyes and potentially result in permanent blindness. She further urged parents to prioritize their children’s eye health by arranging timely examinations and seeking professional care whenever concerns arise.
Speaking at the event, Lion Dr. Kelechi Onyedi NLCF, Assistant National Secretary of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Past President of Ikeja Lions Club and Coordinator of the Journey for Sight initiative highlighted the significance of World Sight Day in promoting awareness about preventable blindness and visual impairment.
He recalled the role of Lions Clubs International in advancing global sight preservation efforts in collaboration with organizations committed to preventing blindness. He added that the annual observance remained important to both Lions and optometrists because of their shared commitment to protecting vision and improving people’s quality of life.
Lion Dr. Onyedi encouraged residents to undergo comprehensive eye examinations regularly and adopt healthier lifestyles. He recommended diets rich in fruits, green vegetables and Omega-3 fatty acids, alongside adequate water intake. He also advised against smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, self-medication and the use of unverified traditional remedies for eye conditions.
Representatives of Kenna Foundation, Peter Ayomide and Theresa Thomas, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting community-based eye care interventions, particularly for people who could not readily afford hospital consultations and treatment.
They explained that the outreach reflected the objectives of the Foundation’s Justice for Vision programme, which seeks to strengthen public awareness of eye health while helping underserved communities access essential vision care services.
Also present was Lion Orjinta Nkelechi, Secretary of Ikeja Lions Club, who acknowledged Kenna Foundation’s consistent support for the annual World Sight Day initiative. He noted that the Nigerian Optometric Association also co-sponsored the screening exercise and expressed the Club’s gratitude to both partners for contributing to the success of its Journey for Sight programme.
Through the collaborative outreach, Ikeja Lions Club and its partners reinforced the importance of accessible eye care, early detection of vision problems and sustained public education in reducing preventable blindness. The initiative further demonstrated the impact of partnerships in bringing essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities.
