No fewer than 127,000 pairs of glasses have been distributed under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) Programme in Delta.
The outreach, implemented by Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health, is supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).
The free comprehensive eye care services were launched in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, with a two-day flag-off held in Ashaka and Umusadege, Kwale.
Stakeholders from the state, local government and host communities attended the ceremony.
Residents, both young and elderly, turned out in large numbers for eye screenings, treatment and surgical services.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, the Programme Manager, State Eye Health Programme, Dr Gloria Mok, described SPECS as a major intervention to improve access to quality eye care for indigent populations.
She said the collaboration would expand access to free cataract surgeries, medications and corrective glasses across the state.
Mok noted that SPECS, approved for implementation in 2025, is structured to integrate quality primary eye care into existing Primary Health Care facilities statewide.
She added that more than 230 healthcare workers had been trained, while the programme would further strengthen the State Eye Health Programme and the Jigibola Campaign across 75 PHCs in Delta’s 25 LGAs.
The SPECS Ophthalmologist, Dr Ernest Ogbedo, said the initiative eliminates barriers by taking essential eye care services directly to rural communities.
A beneficiary, Mr Prince Nwanze, commended VCDF and SEEPCO, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality and sustainable eye health services nationwide.
