In a major boost to community healthcare delivery, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health has rolled out free comprehensive eye care services to residents of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services Programme (SPECS). SPECS is supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).
The two-day flag-off ceremony commenced in Ashaka and concluded in Umusadege, Kwale. It was attended by stakeholders from the state, local government authorities, and host communities. The outreach attracted large participation from both young and elderly residents seeking eye screenings, treatment, and surgical care services.
Representing the Delta State Commissioner for Health during the launch, the Programme Manager of the State Eye Health Programme, Dr. Gloria Mok, described SPECS as a significant intervention aimed at improving access to quality eye health services, particularly for indigent populations.
According to her, the collaboration will expand access to essential services including free cataract surgeries, eye screenings, medications, and corrective reading glasses for residents across the state.
She explained that the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services Programme (SPECS), approved for implementation in 2025, is structured to integrate high-quality primary eye care into existing Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities statewide.
Dr. Mok further revealed that the initiative will strengthen the State Eye Health Programme and broaden the reach of the ongoing Jigibola Campaign across 75 Primary Health Care centres in the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Providing impact statistics, she disclosed that over 127,000 pairs of glasses have been distributed so far, while more than 230 healthcare workers have received training in primary eye care services. She expressed confidence that the programme would be expanded to other LGAs to ensure equitable access to quality eye care services for all citizens.
Also speaking, the Ophthalmologist for the SPECS Programme, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, emphasised that the initiative was designed to eliminate barriers preventing rural dwellers from accessing essential eye care by bringing treatment directly to their communities.
Dr. Ogbedo noted that the programme is not a one-off medical outreach, but a sustainable intervention embedded within the primary healthcare system, with support from SEEPCO as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to host communities.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Prince Nwanze expressed appreciation to VCDF and SEEPCO, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, significantly easing the financial burden associated with eye treatment. VCDF, with consistent support from SEEPCO, has implemented similar eye care interventions in other states across Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality, and sustainable eye health services nationwide.