The Resource Center for the Blind (RCB), in collaboration with Amuwo Odofin Local Government and key corporate partners, has offered free eye care and general medical services to over 400 residents during a community health outreach marking World Sight Day, White Cane Day, and Safety Awareness Day in a vibrant display of compassion and inclusion.

The event held under the theme “Eye Care, Eye Everywhere,” the outreach provided free eye screenings, eyeglasses, cataract assessments, and health checks, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and awareness on visual impairment.

Executive Director of RCB, Mrs. Temitope Ayinla, said the annual event goes beyond medical assistance to drive advocacy, mentorship, and counseling programs that empower persons with visual impairments. “Our mission is to restore dignity and independence. RCB equips the visually impaired with digital, vocational, and life skills to help them thrive in society,” Ayinla explained.

She emphasised that inclusive education and employment remain central to sustainable empowerment, calling on both the government and private sector to provide more scholarships, training opportunities, and job placements for persons living with disabilities. “Education is the foundation of empowerment. We need policies and partnerships that give our members a fair chance to contribute meaningfully to national development,” she added.

Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, lauded RCB’s efforts, describing the outreach as a model of inclusive governance and community partnership. “This initiative speaks to the heart of human dignity. We will continue to collaborate with RCB to ensure all residents-sighted or visually impaired have access to healthcare and opportunity,” he said.

Eye consultant Dr. Maryam Olaniyan-Fashola from LASUTH cautioned residents against using harmful substances such as urine or alum as eye treatment, urging regular medical checkups and healthy diets to prevent avoidable blindness.

Mr. Temitope Ashiwaju, representative of Dufil Prime Foods, commended RCB’s consistency and impact. “We are proud to support this cause. Our donation of white canes aligns with our belief that everyone deserves clear vision and care,” he said.

We appreciate corporate supporters including Wema Bank, Lotus Bank, Eye Foundation, and Dufil Prime Foods contributed donations, medical supplies, and welfare items. Representatives of the NURTW and RTEAN pledged to promote respect, safety, and awareness for white cane users across transport parks, as RCB continues to educate motorists on assisting visually impaired road users.

Special needs advocate and tech innovator Mr. Olufemi Bayode inspired participants with his story of resilience. “There is ability in disability. I’ve trained others in 26 states. What we need is opportunity, not sympathy,” he declared, urging full implementation of disability inclusion laws.

Through programmes like this, the Resource Center for the Blind continues to restore vision, inspire hope, and build inclusive communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for a healthier and more compassionate society.

For many beneficiaries, the event was life-changing. “I never imagined I could get free glasses,” said Ms. Saliwu Abiola, a hairstylist. “Now I can see better and work with confidence.” Similarly, Madam Elizabeth Bello, a trader, said, “I got my eye drops and will soon undergo cataract surgery. God bless the organisers.”