By Khalid Idris Doya
As part of its 2026 Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) humanitarian outreach, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, in partnership with Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, has provided free eye care services to no fewer than 1,000 residents of Bauchi.
The intervention covered cataract surgeries, distribution of medical eyeglasses, eye screenings, and free medications, among other essential eye care services.
The programme, held on Sunday at the Event Centre in Bauchi, offered free cataract consultations and life-changing surgeries to patients suffering from vision impairment, while others received comprehensive eye examinations and treatment aimed at preventing blindness and improving their quality of life.
Speaking during the exercise, the health officer of Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Abduljabbar Ismail, said the initiative was part of the foundation's commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society who cannot afford quality healthcare services.
"This is not the first time we are undertaking this intervention. We have implemented similar programmes in previous years and have witnessed the positive impact they have had on the lives of the people," he said.
According to him, the foundation plans to expand the programme beyond Bauchi Central Senatorial District to Bauchi North and Bauchi South.
"Our goal is to extend this intervention across all zones of Bauchi State by next year so that more people can benefit from these critical healthcare services," he added.
Ismail noted that the large turnout recorded during the exercise underscored the growing need for accessible and affordable healthcare support in the state.
"We are grateful to Almighty Allah for granting us the strength and resources to undertake this noble cause. The overwhelming response from beneficiaries reflects the importance of this intervention and the difference it is making in people's lives," he said.
Also speaking, Bala Salisu Abba of Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Bauchi Branch, explained that the medical team was providing a wide range of eye care services, including screening and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, retinal diseases, pterygium, corneal disorders, and other eye-related conditions.
"We are screening patients for cataracts, identifying those with refractive errors, and conducting examinations for glaucoma and retinal diseases. Cases within our capacity are managed directly, while those requiring specialized care are referred to appropriate facilities through our established referral networks across Nigeria and abroad," he explained.
Abba described the initiative as a demonstration of a collective commitment to reducing human suffering and improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for the less privileged.
He disclosed that Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, operating under the Al-Basar International Foundation, has a long-standing record of providing quality treatment for glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision-related conditions.
The eye specialist further urged members of the public to prioritise regular eye examinations, stressing that many eye diseases develop without obvious symptoms.
"Early detection remains the best form of eye care. Conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment can progress silently and lead to irreversible blindness if not detected and treated promptly," he warned.
According to him, comprehensive eye examinations help identify underlying conditions through eye pressure checks, refraction tests, retinal assessments, visual field evaluations, and other diagnostic procedures.
"Sometimes a person's eyes may appear healthy externally, while serious conditions exist internally. That is why everyone should make routine eye examinations part of their healthcare practice, even if it is only once a year," he advised.
Abba commended the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation for its unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, noting that the partnership continues to transform lives and restore hope to many families.
Some beneficiaries, including Yau Zakari, Hauwau Adamu, and Haladu Sale Cigero, expressed appreciation for the free medical intervention and praised the founder of the foundation, Alhaji Bala Maijama'a Wunti, for his dedication to improving the welfare of the people.
They described the programme as timely and impactful, urging other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate his commitment to humanitarian service and community development.
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