By De-Patriot
More than 1,000 patients have benefited from a cataract screening and subsidized surgery programme currently underway at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), drawing commendation for the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu.
The initiative, organised by the hospital’s Department of Ophthalmology, has attracted a large number of patients seeking treatment for cataracts and other eye-related conditions.
Within the first three days of the exercise, held between March 4 and 6, 2026, more than 1,000 individuals were screened, reaffirming the high demand for affordable and accessible eye care services.
Patients from several states across Nigeria’s South-South region trooped to the facility, reflecting both the urgent need for specialized eye care and the growing reputation of UBTH as a leading centre for ophthalmic services.
The programme offers free eye consultations and comprehensive screening for various eye conditions. Patients diagnosed with cataracts are subsequently scheduled for subsidized cataract surgeries, significantly reducing the financial burden associated with the procedure.
Many beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the intervention has provided them with renewed hope of regaining clear vision and improving their quality of life.
Stakeholders have also commended Prof. Ize-Iyamu for supporting initiatives that expand access to quality healthcare services, describing the programme as a major step toward addressing preventable blindness and improving public health outcomes.
The cataract screening and subsidized surgery programme aligns with the broader healthcare improvement efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at expanding access to essential medical services for Nigerians.
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