A renowned optometrist, Ikenna Ugwu, has provided free eye care services to more than 300 residents of Amechi Uwani and neighbouring communities in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The medical outreach featured free eye examinations, diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions, blood pressure checks, distribution of prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and medications, with the items and services valued at millions of naira.
Speaking during the outreach, Dr. Ugwu, who is based in Agbor, Delta State, said the initiative was organised in memory of his late parents, whom he described as renowned philanthropists committed to improving the lives of others.
He explained that two optometrists were engaged for the exercise, noting that many beneficiaries were unaware they had underlying eye conditions that could lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Dr. Ugwu recalled that similar medical outreaches he conducted during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta State exposed widespread cases of untreated eye diseases, a commitment that later earned him employment with the Delta State Government.
He attributed the late presentation of eye-related illnesses to ignorance, harmful traditional practices and poor health-seeking behaviour, urging members of the public to prioritise regular eye examinations and routine medical check-ups.
According to him, some beneficiaries admitted they had not undergone eye or blood pressure checks for several months and often avoided hospital visits despite experiencing health challenges.
A community stakeholder, Geoffrey Umeanuka, commended the initiative, describing Dr. Ugwu as a worthy ambassador of the community whose philanthropic efforts have positively impacted many lives.
Similarly, the donor’s younger brother, Kenechukwu Ugwu, said the outreach was a deliberate effort by the family to honour the legacy of their late parents through humanitarian service and support for the less privileged.
