…giving sight back to the communities
By Ebuanekpe Joy
As the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is essential to observe this milestone with care. The RRIN has played a crucial role in the development of the rubber industry in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
As part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rubber Institute of Nigeria in Iyanomo, Edo State, the institute has collaborated with the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation to give back to the host communities by carrying out a blindness prevention initiative.
The Outreach Programme, which is targeted at carrying out 200 free surgeries, 300 free reading glasses, 100 free de-wormings for community children, as well as 2500 free eye and medical consultations with medication, was declared open by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Edo State at the Rubber Research Health Centre in Iyanomo, Edo State.
While declaring the eye camp open, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Samuel Alli stated that the health initiative was a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter, clearer future for countless individuals affected by vision impairment.
He went further to state that “in Nigeria, the landscape of eye health presents both challenges and opportunities. The statistics are sobering yet serve as a call to action.” He went further to state that within the last three years, our nation, Nigeria, has recorded an estimated 24 million cases of vision loss, with 1.3 million of our fellow Nigerians living in the darkness of blindness. The majority of these cases stem from conditions that are, with the right intervention, entirely preventable or treatable. This includes over 80% of blindness cases caused by avoidable factors such as untreated cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the eye camp in Iyanomo is a direct reaction to both national initiatives and local needs. It is a sign of our collaborative dedication to not only treat but also prevent eyesight loss. “We seek to give complete eye exams, correct refractive problems, perform cataract procedures, and educate our community about eye health management,” he further added.
The Honourable Commissioner of Health also promised the institute to embark on a comprehensive renovation of the institute’s Health facility to bring it up to date with international standards as part of a way of giving back to the society and the host communities.
In another vein, the Executive Director of the Rubber Research Institute, Dr. (Mrs) L. N Dongo, welcomed everyone to the camp, which is aimed at giving backsight to the host communities, while postulating that the eye camp is one of the activities lined up to celebrate the institute’s 50th anniversary
Finally, this eye camp, which is to last for a week, is a sign of optimism and a light of change. It exemplifies our steadfast dedication to our employees’ health and well-being. It is a step toward a future in which vision loss is no longer an impediment to living a full and active life.
Dignitaries present at this event include Dr. Gabriel Okorodudu, founder of Africa Cataract and Eye Surgery and the lead eye surgeon for the camp; Prof. Afekhide Omotin, chairman of the National Eye Health Committee and consultant for Rural Eye Health, Nigeria; Dr. Daniel Ayeba, Head of Medical, Rubber Research Health Centre; top management members of the institute; traditional leaders, their representatives, and members from the host communities, which include Onobaghase dukedom, Obaretin community, Uhie community, Obagie community, and other well-wishers.
