A total of 900 people received eye screenings and more than 700 obtained eye glasses during the event organized through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Held at the Aba, Nigeria Temple Complex, the three-day event was a partnership of LDS Charities - the humanitarian arm of the Church, the Eye Connection Clinic, Rainbow Vision Clinic, Global Eye Clinic and Emory University, U.S.A.
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In addition to the screenings and eyeglasses, treatment of specific vision challenges was provided. The recipients of these services were overwhelmed when they learned the treatment was free.
Chinedu Uchenna, a fifty year old man with physical challenges, expressed shear happiness. He had not been able to raise funds to visit an eye clinic. Each time he tried to participate in other free screenings, he was pushed aside.
“I commend the Church for the orderly manner this exercise is being organized." he said. "I thank God for using you to restore my sight with these eye glasses, I can now read very clearly,”
Walpole Nwanguma, Director of Abia State Broadcasting Corporation, spoke during the opening exercise saying good eye sight is fundamental to existence. He commended LDS Charities and its partners for organizing the screening. He said, “This is gospel in action…it will surely help the needy of this community.”
Professionals participating in the eye screening were Professor Scott Lander of Emory University, Dr. Ekanem of Rainbow Vision Clinic, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa of The Eye Connection Clinic and Dr. Chikezie Ekpemo of Global Eye Clinic; as well as many local volunteers.
Dr. Justice Otuonye, President of Aba Nigeria North Stake (similar to a diocese) represented the Church and extended his heartfelt thanks to all those who rendered their services to make the screening successful.
LDS Charities focuses on supporet programs that meet specific needs and encourage seld-reliance, service and sustainability. It partners with other charitable organizations to help those in need.