By Maureen Okon
Some beneficiaries of a 10-day free cataract camp have commended the Noor Dubai Foundation for its intervention in addressing their eye challenges through check-ups, surgeries, and the issuance of free eyeglasses.
The beneficiaries made the commendation yesterday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a 10-day free Cataract Camp in Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.
They lauded the foundation for coming to their aid at a critical financial time in the country, as most could not afford to pay for eye treatment bills.
NAN reports that the Noor Dubai Foundation is a non-governmental organization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that provides global humanitarian intervention in eye care for the less fortunate.
The foundation began a free cataract camp in Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, and other health centres on October 12 and continues it today.
Madam Martha, a beneficiary and businesswoman, said the check-up process has been helpful. She said she benefited from the exercise following the information she heard that Noor Dubai cataract camp would be visiting the Asokoro hospital.
“This programme has been excellent for me, I am pleased about it because it’s been over two years since my eyes have been itching and getting red, which makes me not to see clearly.
“So, I said, let me try because of the money issues; someone told me it’s costly to get surgery or check your eyes. I met a lady in Asokoro Hospital who talked to me about the free eye camp.
“They attended to me, and I am going to have the surgery. I’m so glad about it because I am a single mother. I have been thinking about how I will get the money for surgery. I’m thrilled. God will reward them,” she said.
Mrs Olubunmi Okiti, the Interim National President of the Military Widow Association, said some association members were attended to by professionals, who responded positively.
Okiti said, “We came in as early as 7am. We were well attended to. All my women were happy. The ones screened for operation were scheduled for operation, and the ones who needed medications were given medication.
“The ones who needed glasses were also given glasses. All these were free. We were all happy. We are grateful,” she said.
She also thanked the Asokoro District Hospital and the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) FCTA for partnering with Noor Dubai Foundation to hold a free eye camp.
Chief Suleiman Momo described the exercise as a welcome development and urged the Nigerian government to develop its health facilities to compete with Noor Dubai standards.
“First of all, I want to appreciate God, and God, in His infinite mercy, brought people from Dubai to assist us in this country. It is a good thing and a good development, and I also pray that our government will develop its health facilities to reach Dubai and even surpass it.
“I went to two other hospitals, and they said I needed to go for surgery. But I heard the team was coming, and since I came, my blood pressure, sugar level, reading capacity, and ability have been checked. They said I do not need surgery for now but to be on medication,’’ he said.
Dr Manal Taryam, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Noor Dubai Foundation, also said that the foundation aims to target 3,000 FCT to benefit from its first free cataract eye camp.
Taryam said the foundation’s 10-day free cataract eye camp in Abuja addressed eye challenges through check-ups, surgeries, and the issuing of free eyeglasses.
“The Noor Dubai cataract eye camp collaborates with Inclusive Eye Care Foundation, DP World Foundation, Asokoro District Hospital, and the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) FCTA.
“As we launch our cataract camp in Abuja, which is not the first time we’ve worked in Nigeria, we have had a successful programme, which is the comprehensive eye care programme in Katsina and Kaduna States.
“What is interesting is that we work on improving the infrastructure of three eye hospitals and over 250 primary care centres, vision and screening centres, and we also try to empower the staffs.
“The 10-day eye camp hosted by Asokoro District Hospital and the HSES FCTA will provide free screening and treatment to over 3,000 people, including 250 cataract surgeries.
“The programme will involve screening for disabling eye diseases such as cataracts, and refractive errors and providing medical treatment, eyeglasses and surgery to treat common eye disorders.”
Taryam said the foundation successfully concluded a comprehensive eye care programme in Katsina state, which started in 2019 and included upgrading services in three major hospitals.
