Women Optometrists, Abia First Lady, Partner To Deliver Free Eye Care In Olokoro Community
In a heartwarming demonstration of collaborative healthcare, the Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON) in partnership with Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, brought vital eye care services to the doorstep of the people of Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA, through a free vision screening outreach held at the Olokoro Town Hall.
Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi, President of WON, described the outreach as a core reflection of the group’s mission to serve underserved communities. Represented by the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, she emphasized that the outreach aligns with the group’s goal of equitable access to quality eye care.
“This outreach is not only about care—it is about inclusion,” Dr. Aghukwa stated. “We are bringing eye care to those who ordinarily may not have access
especially rural women and children. It’s a powerful statement that nobody should be left behind when it comes to health.”
The large-scale outreach was spearheaded by Dr. Chioma Ann Ukekwe, an Optometrist with the Abia State chapter of WON and an illustrious daughter of Olokoro, alongside WON members from across Abia and the national body. The initiative received strong backing from the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, as a major sponsor, and was further supported by Essilor, Fidson Healthcare PLC, and Altinez Visions Limited.
Dr. Ukekwe noted that the team aimed to screen over 300 individuals, focusing on early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and refractive errors.
“We want to catch these issues early so that people do not suffer preventable blindness,” she explained. “Beyond diagnosis, we are providing medications and educating beneficiaries on managing their conditions, with referrals for follow-up when necessary.”
The outreach also featured health talks on conditions that indirectly affect eye health, such as diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Mary Ademola, Chairperson of the Abia State chapter of WON, stressed the importance of lifestyle changes and nutrition.
“Many don’t realize that blurred vision can be a symptom of high blood sugar or undiagnosed diabetes,” she said. “We are using this opportunity to educate people on maintaining a healthy diet, as nutrition plays a vital role in eye health.”
Dr. Ademola added that the programme was strategically aligned with the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) National Conference, currently being hosted in Abia State.
“It is our tradition that wherever the NOA conference is held, we give back to the host community. This is our way of making our impact felt,” she said.
The outreach was met with tremendous community appreciation. Lady Emilia Ugwu, President-General of Olokoro Clan Women Federated, expressed profound gratitude to the organizers and the First Lady.
“Our people are overwhelmed with joy. To receive eye care and glasses at no cost is something we will never forget,” she said. “We thank Dr. Chioma Ukekwe for bringing this blessing to her people, and we deeply appreciate Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her generosity and care for the grassroots.”
Several beneficiaries gave touching testimonies. Okwuchukwu Ezekiel, who received prescription glasses, shared:
“I’ve struggled with blurry vision for years but couldn’t afford glasses. Today, I got a pair that fits perfectly—and it’s free.”
Another recipient, who preferred anonymity, said:
“I didn’t even know I had early-stage glaucoma. Thanks to this programme, I have medication and guidance now.”
“In a country where many rural dwellers lack access to basic eye care, this outreach is more than treatment—it is hope. Women Optometrists in Nigeria are restoring dignity and improving lives. This is what health equity looks like.”
The Olokoro outreach is a shining example of how grassroots partnerships, medical expertise, and community engagement can work together to transform lives, reaffirming the role of women-led initiatives in driving inclusive healthcare across Nigeria.