The LoveWorld MEDICAID, an initiative of Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President LoveWorld Incorporated, in its campaign to provide health for all has launched a massive free eye care program, targeted at 10,000 beneficiaries.
The 4-Day programme aimed at helping indigent or low-income beneficiaries with their vision, commenced on Tuesday, September 17 through Friday, September 20, at Christ Embassy Erediauwa Service Centre, and Sight and Vision Eye Centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital. While September 17 and 18 were designated days for screening and treatment, September 19 and 20 were days for surgery.
The campaign in its 4th edition in Benin City, improved and restored the eyesight of over 1,500 people. The event provided comprehensive eye care services, including medical check-ups, free eye glasses/eye drops, surgeries, and post-operative care to the beneficiaries from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The LoveWorld MEDICAID V.I.S.I.O.N (Vital Intervention for Sight Improvement and Ophthalmic Needs) for 10,000 beneficiaries is Christ Embassy’s compassionate, social responsibility and community service programme. The initiative, part of a broader commitment to healthcare, has successfully provided surgeries and free glasses to those in need.
In his remark, Pastor Moses Olayemi, Zonal Pastor, Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1, referenced Jesus’ miracles to the blind and thanked Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for establishing the foundation that has transformed the lives of thousands.
“Everything being done here is free of charge, courtesy of the Christ Embassy,” Pastor Olayemi emphasised.
“We’re seeing the beneficiaries of the first batch, with many more waiting to be attended to,” he said.
Pastor Olayemi led the beneficiaries to give their lives to Christ, stressing that good health is a gift from God.
Beneficiaries shared their testimonies, expressing gratitude to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for the opportunity to regain their vision, allowing them to lead more fulfilling lives.
Deaconess Faith Uwerme, a non-member of Christ Embassy, said, “I couldn’t see properly due to a pothole in my vision. I heard about the foundation and I came. To my surprise, I didn’t pay a dime.”
Mr. Ikemba, another beneficiary, said, “I had cataracts on my left eye, but now I can see very well. I’m grateful to Pastor Chris for this opportunity.”
Mrs. Julie Okoro, a market woman, who was completely blind, exclaimed, “I can see now! I didn’t pay a dime for the eye surgery. I’m so grateful to Pastor Chris and the Christ Embassy.”
The Medical Director and Proprietor, Charis Group of Eye Clinics and Medical Superintendent, Akwa Ibom State Eye Clinic, Uyo, Dr. Victor Akpan thanked Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for the platform to utilize his skills. He also appreciated the zonal pastor, pastors, and partners of Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1 for their support.
Dr. Victor Akpan, from Christ Embassy South-South Zone 2, Akwa Ibom, addressed the beneficiaries during the event, stressing the importance of accessible healthcare.
“Let it be known that we are here today to restore sight and hope to our community,” he stated, underlining the Mission of Christ Embassy to uplift and support those in need.
On his part, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Director, Sight and Vision Eye Centre, Benin City, Pastor (Dr.) Austin Uduoise highlighted and underscored the services of the LoveWorld Community Clinics which include access to free consultation and diagnosis, health education, free eyeglasses, medications, eye drops/treatment, and most importantly, free surgeries for eligible beneficiaries.
The campaign provided eye care services and surgical intervention and raised awareness about the significance of regular eye check-ups and preventive care.
As the day progressed, volunteers and medical professionals worked diligently to ensure the success of the surgeries, showcasing the power of community collaboration and the spirit of giving.
The LoveWorld Medical Missions and Services are committed to promoting health and impacting lives through the projects and initiatives of its executive arms to enhance healthcare access across Nigeria.
The Health for All Campaign is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives.
Pastor (Dr.) IB Uduoise, Optometrist and Head of Admin, Sight and Vision Eye Centre, key personnel in the program, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Chris Oyakilome for his unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts.
“I want to thank our man of God, Pastor Chris, for his God-kind of heart.
“This Ministry is not just for preaching, it’s for living the Word, and that’s what Pastor Chris does,” she said.
Pastor IB highlighted the profound impact of the initiative, sharing, “The smiles on their faces and the joy of seeing again are truly phenomenal.”
She noted that the team had been operating through the night for the past three days to ensure the success of the surgeries.
“Over a thousand individuals have undergone successful eye surgeries and received free glasses to aid their vision. The program restored sight and brought hope and joy to the community, reflecting the Ministry’s mission to improve lives,” Pastor IB said.
The highly esteemed Pastor Moses Olayemi, Dr. Victor Akpan, and Pastor IB Uduoise on behalf of the medical team, expressed their appreciation to Pastor (Dr.) Deola Phillips, Director, Healing School and Chairperson, Volunteer Medical Corps.
As the campaign continues to unfold, the overwhelming success and positive impact of the free eye surgery initiative underscores Christ Embassy’s commitment to serving humanity and making a difference in the lives of those in need.
