Osun: Lions Club gives free eyeglasses to 350 Ere-Ijesa residents

Over 350 residents of Ere-Ijesa and nearby communities received free eyeglasses during a programme organized by Lions Club International in Osun State last Thursday.

The outreach officer, Lion Olufunmike Odesanmi, explained that the event included free eye screenings, after which glasses and drugs were given to those with vision problems.

He said, “the Lions Club had succeeded in fighting cataract, glaucoma and other eye problems in various communities by giving out corrective glasses freely to those having ocular issues. We do this every two week in various communities.”

“Our dream is to make sure all those that have lost hopes about their eyes regain such again. In Ere-Ijesa today, we did attend to those in need of glasses.”

“We are very happy our people are not shy again to hide their leprous fingers.”

“The joy of this programme at the end of the day is for beneficiaries to religiously stay glued to the pieces of medical advice already given to them.”

“I also want to add that you should not be selfish by keeping quiet after benefitting from this lofty programme. You should help others. Spread the gospel of the Lions Club. Do not allow those with ocular challenges die in perpetuity.”

Dr. (Mrs) Dolapo Olaopa, an ophthalmologist with the Osun State government and Lions Club International, urged residents to follow the medical advice provided. She said the outreach was aimed at helping people who could not afford treatment.

“After critical examinations on their eyes, we will provide them with assistant solutions that will lessen their eye problems.”

“These solutions could be provision of corrective eyeglasses, while those whose their cases have gone deteriorated would be referred to medical eye specialists probably for surgery, counseling and so on.”

She added that referrals would be directed to the State Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo for further care.

The Elere of Ere-Ijesa, Oba Augustine Adenipekun, praised the programme, saying it had brought joy to the community.

“With the programme, I feel fine. This exercise is not common. We appreciate the mover of this program. You see how the people in the town are jubilating for having this type of a program. So, I feel fine. We are elated.”

“I want to appeal to other well to do in the society, to emulate Lions Club in humanitarian services. For instance, if you are talking of this town, the people, the elite of this town, perform wonders.”

“They have so many things they are doing in this town. But I will only encourage the people outside this town, the people that are well to do to sponsor this type of program so that the people that are having eye problem will reduce.”

“We appreciate them in the community. Apart from the rush in the morning, people are still coming. You know they are coming. All hands are on deck throughout and up till now, the hands are on deck. All the personnel of the programme, are also commendable.”

The Alaun of Ilaun-Ijesa, Oba Dr. Lawrence Ajayi, also commended the initiative.

“So, your coming here will help a lot of such a people. In fact, I announced it in the town meeting of my town that presently about four or five of my chiefs, they are here to benefit from your program,” he said.

One beneficiary, who gave his name as Ade, expressed gratitude to the Lions Club, saying he would never forget their support in restoring his sight.

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