IRRUA – Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Edo state has conducted free cataract surgeries for 100 indigent persons, between October 29th and November 29th this year.
The number of beneficiaries, drawn from within and outside the state, were same as those that benefitted in 2018, which was co-sponsored by the hospital management and federal government.
But, this year’s was fully sponsored by ISTH management, after an initial screening of 500 persons that came forward for the exercise in October.
According to the Chief Medical Director, Prof Sylvanus Okogbenin, the free surgeries will continue every year to treat those who can not afford the treatment.
“It is really beautiful to see people who have been blind for 10 years, 20 years after surgery sundenly can see.
“So, i think it is something we should do irrespective of the cost, so this year the hospital decided it can sponsor a 100 people”, Prof. Okogbenin said in chat with The Nigerian Observer on Tuesday, at Irrua.
He applauded the team at the Department of Ophthalmology led by Dr Fuh Ukamaka, for the successful surgeries, and follow up medical checks on the (post-op) beneficiaries, which is still ongoing.
The Head, Dr Fuh had earlier described the screening process as “challenging”.
Fuh stated, the team looked out for cataract sufferers, and ensure they are operable before adding them to the surgery list.
“Gradually we then give them days they will come for their surgeries”, She added
