On 29 July 2023, the Calabar Nigeria South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a free Medical Eye Clinic and Outreach. The event was held at the Stake Center and was open to all members of the Calabar community. This outreach was organized jointly by the Stake Presidency and the Stake Relief Society presidency in conjunction with medical personnel from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
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154 individuals benefitted from the eye screening and vision health instruction. The free medical outreach program was organized specifically to benefit persons with impaired vision and other sight challenges. Those participating received an eye exam from a medical professional as well as eyeglasses and eye drops when necessary. Those with serious eye issues were referred to the Teaching Hospital.
One of the organizers of the event was Udim Peters, who is a medical professional and the Stake Relief Society president in Calabar. She recognized the need for this type of event in the community and worked with the Stake Presidency and local professionals to organize and execute the eye clinic.
Five medical professionals handled the eye check-up exercise that lasted from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Dr. Frances Onwuadika, an Ophthalmologist led the team that included CNO Maureen Iso, CNO Bassey Oku, and ANO Scholar Bassey, all Ophthalmic nurses. Sister Peters also worked with the medical team to provide the vision care services.
Prior to the beginning of the examinations, one of the medical team, CNO Bassey Oku, provided the participants with instructions on good eye care habits. She discussed the importance of clear vision and good eye health. She also offered them tips on how to best protect their eyes and ways to avoid vision damage.
President Samuel A. Ukoha, of the Calabar Nigeria South Stake, reminded the participants that our bodies are our temples and need to be treated sacredly. “Please take this event and your eye health seriously,” he admonished those who came for the exams.
During the Eye Clinic over 50 individuals were given new eyeglasses. Many of the participants also received eye drops or were provided with prescriptions for eye drops and other vision care products. Several individuals were diagnosed with glaucoma, cataracts, and other serious eye conditions. They were referred directly to doctors at the Calabar Teaching Hospital for further diagnoses and treatment.