Free corrective surgeries have been successfully performed on more than 20,000 visually impaired Nigerians. Through the Priceless Gift of Sight project of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in collaboration with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF), their ability to see was restored. More than 350,000 Nigerians have taken use of the initiative’s free tests, optical services, surgeries, free glasses, and eye disease management in states including Cross River, Ogun, Kebbi, Imo, Abuja, Katsina, and Adamawa, among others.
Stephen Oyedokun, a recipient of the free eye surgery, praised FCMB and TCF, saying, “For many years, I have worn spectacles. However, in April 2021, I noticed my vision deteriorating and found it difficult to see clearly. Everything I did was being impacted by the situation as it grew worse. The Priceless Gift of Sight initiative was then mentioned to me. I underwent the procedure successfully after visiting the hospital for an evaluation. Nothing cost anything. I now have my eyes and my life. I sincerely thank FCMB and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation for helping people transition from darkness to light.
Helen Simon, another recipient, thanked FCMB for giving her the chance to move on with her life and for giving her her sight back. The trader disclosed that she had a bad eye condition and was about to give up when a neighbor told her about the Priceless Gift of Sight initiative.
“Initially, I doubted the programme. It was unreal for organisations to carry out free eye surgery for people. So, I went elsewhere for treatment, but the problem worsened. It did not get better. I returned to my neighbour, who directed me to the Tulsi Chanrai Hospital, where they examined me and recommended surgery. I had successful eye surgery, and my joy is now limitless. I thought they would ask for a payment, but to my surprise, everything was free. We were given food, bed, and drugs for free. It was later I learnt that it was a Bank called FCMB that sponsored our surgery and everything. I don’t know how to thank FCMB, but I know God will reward the Bank more.
In 2009, FCMB launched the valuable Gift of Sight initiative. In Nigeria’s rural and periurban populations, the Bank aims to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and needless visual impairment. The Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, a leading non-governmental organization that improves the accessibility and cost of health care services in outlying parts of Nigeria, is the First City Monument Bank’s implementing partner. Restoring sight, ensuring access to primary healthcare, and providing clean water are TCF’s three main areas of focus.
”With the Bank’s support, we have performed 20,000 successful eye surgeries and reached over 30,000 outpatients.”
According to Ladi Balogun, CEO of FCMB Group, blindness is a disability that frequently results in lost income and extreme poverty. For no other reason than that it limits movement, fosters social isolation, leads to poor mental health, and restricts access to knowledge. He urged better lobbying and the requirement that eye care be included in all forms of universal health care.
Indeed, the majority of blind people—90%—live in the least developed nations, demonstrating how needless blindness impedes social and economic advancement. According to a recent analysis by the Unite for Sight Found
The managing director of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, revealed that there are over a million blind adults in Nigeria. The Priceless Gift of Sight, which has flattened the curve, was created, according to her, in order to save more people from becoming blind because they lack access to eye treatment.
“We are pleased that the Priceless Gift of Sight is bridging the gap, preventing avoidable blindness, and restoring the sight of disadvantaged and lower-income Nigerians. We have received lots of positive feedback from beneficiaries.
