According to reports over 3,000 persons in Imo State, especially from oil-producing areas of the state have received free eye surgeries and other related medical care services courtesy of Seplat Energy in partnership with NNPC.

The gesture, the Guardian said, is part of the corporate social responsibility healthcare programme of the oil-producing companies, designed to provide quality eye care for people in their host communities.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the 2023 edition of initiative, termed ‘Eye Can See’ in Owerri, yesterday, the Seplat Energy Managing Director, East Onshore, Ebi-Ada Hotoi, said the initiative, a multi-million project, was in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, aimed at ensuring healthy lives and to promote general well being of all people of all ages.

She said, “Other objectives of the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative include to provide free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities, reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses, and treat other related eye problems.

“It also aimed to educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Glaucoma as well as educate patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.

She further said, “This initiative, which commenced 12 years ago has delivered 96,411 eye treatments, dispensed 45,074 reading glasses and performed 4,218 surgeries.

“In the JV’s Eastern Asset, where the programme was introduced in 2017, 16, 546 persons have been screened, 7,737 eyeglasses dispensed and 577 surgeries performed.

“The ongoing programme is planned to screen 3,000 persons, perform 150 Cataract surgeries and provide 2000 reading glasses.”

Also, the representative of NNPC, Wilson Halimat said, “NNPC is sensitive to the socioeconomic plights and health of the people. We are glad that NNPC with its partners is adding values on the lives of the people of our communities and humanity at large.

Similarly, She lauded the host communities, the Imo State Government and other Stakeholders for their support to the company’s operations in their areas over the years.