As part of activities to mark the forthcoming 80th birthday of its presiding bishop, Mike Okonkwo, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), in partnership with Eye Foundation Hospital, has organised a free eye care outreach, offering cataract surgeries, screenings, and distribution of reading glasses to residents across Lagos.

The outreach, which saw 1,400 persons register online, recorded 871 persons screened, 280 cataract cases detected, and 548 reading glasses dispensed, according to a summary report released by the organisers.

The medical outreach, themed “An Enduring Legacy”, is one of several initiatives designed to honour the cleric’s decades-long contribution to ministry and social impact. Held under the banner BMO@80, the programme drew hundreds of beneficiaries, many of whom shared personal stories of visual impairment and renewed hope.

The coordinator of outreach and zonal pastor at TREM Lekki, Pastor Tony Samson, said the initiative was conceived as a way to celebrate Bishop Okonkwo’s life of service to God and humanity.

“What you are seeing here today is part of the celebration of our father, who is turning 80 in September. We are offering free cataract surgeries, screenings, and distributing reading glasses to the community,” he said.

Among the beneficiaries was Deaconess Jane Asemoka, who recounted her battle with cataracts and the relief the programme has brought.

“The doctor told me I needed surgery in my left eye. I was so happy when I got selected. I thank God for this opportunity, it’s real,” she said.

Sunday Igunbor, who accompanied his wife for the surgery, emphasised the financial relief the intervention offers. “We know what cataract surgery costs, nothing less than N200,000 outside. This initiative lifts a huge burden. My wife is a beneficiary, and we’re grateful. May God continue to bless the bishop,” he said.

The outreach was executed in collaboration with Eye Foundation Hospital, which handled the medical procedures. According to the hospital’s service manager, Lasisi Wasiu, the project aligns with the hospital’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.

“Eye Foundation has been around for over 25 years. Part of our CSR is focused on community service, ensuring people who cannot afford eye care still receive quality treatment,” he said.

TREM’s global senior pastor, Chinedu Nkere, stated that the initiative aligns with the church’s legacy of community service. “Community impact has always been part of our DNA. Bishop Mike Okonkwo has led by example through initiatives that change lives,” he said.