The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), conducted a free eye care program for the community at Ekiosa Primary Health Center, Sakponba Road, Benin City, on Thursday, 16th July 2026. The exercise included free eye screening, consultations, eyeglasses, and basic eye treatment, benefiting residents.
The initiative was made possible through the support of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has prioritized accessible and quality health care under the SHINE agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Osoikhia, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to strengthening primary health care delivery. He emphasized that the outreach of community eye services represents a milestone in ensuring that essential health interventions reach the grassroots. Dr. Osoikhia encouraged beneficiaries to continue utilizing primary health facilities across the state, noting that the Government has recruited health care workers to drive the health component of the SHINE agenda and deliver quality services to Edo people.
The EDSPHCDA directors, some Staff at the Headquarters and LGA, the Medical Officer of Health for Oredo LGA, Dr. Gideon Iraoyah; Medical Officer for Health Ekiosa PHC, Dr. Amenze Ohenhen, Dr. Blessing Osula, EDSPHCDA Optometrist and coordinating officer for the program, and Optometrist volunteers from Afrivision Eye Clinic, represented by Dr. Mamus Jeremiah Ogeh, Quil Vision Eyecare, represented by Dr. Stanley, St Margaret Eye Foundation, represented by the CEO, Dr. Festus Ojiemudia, who contributed their efforts to ensure the program was a success.
Some beneficiaries also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of this achievement in bringing quality primary eye care closer to the people. They expressed their gratitude to the Governor for providing access to free corrective lenses and treatment.
The public was further advised to take advantage of other services being delivered at revamped primary health facilities across Edo State. These include antenatal and family planning services, immunization and child nutrition programs, malaria testing and treatment, and other essential primary health care interventions.
The Community Eye Service Program at Ekiosa PHC is expected to serve as a pilot, with eye services scaled up to cover all local government areas in the state.
