Over 5,000 people, mainly from the oil-producing communities of Imo State, have benefited from the free eye care services organised by Seplat Energy in partnership with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Speaking at the flag-off of the programme tagged, “Eye Can See” held in Owerri at the weekend, the Seplat Energy Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, said the event was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at addressing health challenges of host communities.

Otokhine listed the services offered at the programme to include eye checks and surgery, sugar level, high blood pressure, distribution of over 5,000 medicated glasses and drugs, among others.

He said: “Today, we celebrate one of our flagship healthcare initiatives: the ‘Eye Can See’ programme. Since its inception in 2012, this initiative, delivered in partnership with the NNPCL, has provided free, comprehensive eye care to over 22,084 patients, performed 726 life-changing eye surgeries and distributed 12,307 prescription glasses.

“Our mission is clear: to reduce preventable blindness, promote early detection of eye diseases, and enhance the quality of life for all beneficiaries.”

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPCL, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, represented by Senior Advisor, Government Relations, Mrs Wilson Kehinde, said the goal of the initiative was “not just to provide eye care but to support a healthier and more prosperous community where everyone has access to good healthcare and development opportunities. Ultimately, we are not only restoring vision but are also restoring hope for the future.”