No fewer than 3,000 residents of Eti-Osa Constituency 02 in the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Government Area of Lagos State have benefitted from the ninth edition of the Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu (GOY) Free Eye Healthcare Programme.
The initiative, held on Thursday in Lagos, is part of an annual effort sponsored by Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The programme offered free eye consultations, eye pressure and acuity tests, refraction and blood pressure screenings, along with complimentary prescription glasses.
Additionally, the first 20 patients diagnosed with cataracts received free surgical procedures.
Speaking at the event, Yishawu reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the health of his constituents, describing the programme as part of a broader initiative to deliver comprehensive healthcare services across Eti-Osa Constituency 02.
“Health is unpredictable, yet essential for a productive life. You may have perfect eyesight at 18, but that can change drastically by the time you’re 30 or 40,” Yishawu said. “That’s why we’ve made healthcare a continuous process — from dental care and cervical cancer screenings to now eye care.”
The lawmaker emphasised that the impact of the programme has been immense, with many residents treating it as their annual eye check-up. He added that despite the initial target of 3,000 beneficiaries for this year’s edition, no one would be turned away.
“Even if we exceed our target, everyone who shows up will be attended to. This is about serving the people,” he said.
Several beneficiaries shared their appreciation for the initiative. Mrs. Oluwafunmi Adeduwon described the programme as a financial relief, saying, “Hon. Yishawu is one in a million. This initiative has enabled me to renew my glasses without any cost.”
Mr. Muhammed Amilu noted that the programme saved him over N50,000, which he would have otherwise spent at a private clinic. “This is a significant help. We need more leaders to follow his example,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Adeleke Oladayo, said he was spared a costly hospital visit. “I had an appointment scheduled that would have cost me N200,000. This programme saved me both time and money,” he stated.
Dr. Chapelle Ogunremi, an optometrist involved in the programme, highlighted the growing concern of eye health across West Africa. According to him, more than 500 patients presented issues ranging from reading difficulties to surgical conditions.
“We’ve already distributed over 400 pairs of glasses and identified more than 15 cataract cases. Surgeries like these typically cost between N500,000 and N1 million,” he said.
The GOY Free Eye Healthcare Programme continues to grow in impact and reach, offering critical healthcare services and promoting wellness across Lagos State.