Odede Joseph, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has constructed an eye clinic center in Ilasa, Lagos.
The eye clinic center which is situated in the Ilasa primary health center was inaugurated on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Odede said the deplorable condition of the eye care center in the community inspired him to build the eye clinic.
According to the corps member, the project will now provide “comprehensive” eye care for the people in the community.
He said it will also reduce the number of people waiting at the general hospitals in Lagos.
“When I was posted to the health center, there was a high prevalence of preventable eye diseases. It wasn’t in synchrony with the available eye care for the people. There was no space for an optometry consultation, there was no eye doctor. It was a very deplorable situation and that was what prompted my interest in this project,” he said.
“Now that we have a new eye clinic, we are sure of a comprehensive eye care fit for the people, a conducive environment for the care. Optometrists are vital to primary health care because they are the primary health givers.”
Odede also pleaded with stakeholders to help provide the other needed equipment in the facility.
“This eye clinic has been built but still needs some equipment to make it world-class. We need to acquire some machines and equipment which include a trial lens box, auto refactor, and thermometer to keep the clinic working,” he added.
Balogun, the representative of the permanent secretary primary health care, appreciated Odede for the initiative.
“We appreciate that this is what we expect. When we ask that people go for their youth service, we expect that they give to their community and it is a lasting legacy,” she said.
“The importance of primary eye care cannot be overemphasised. A lot of times people take eye care for granted but there are little things that can be done and it has started now from the grassroot.
“We are very happy here today that a corp member took it upon himself to fill the gap. So on behalf of the permanent secretary, we’re grateful because the clinic is more than just for Ilasa community.
“I’m also sure that the local government will take up to ensure the clinic’s sustainability. All items that were mentioned that are needed will also be put in place by the local government, world health community and the community.”
Odede also donated 105 reading eye spectacles to people in the community during the commissioning ceremony.
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