SEEPCO partners VCDF for free Cataract surgeries

Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) in partnership with the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) has officially commenced free cataract surgeries to restore vision for residents across Delta State.

This initiative addresses a critical health gap highlighted by the 2024 Nigeria National Eye Health Survey, which notes that cataracts cause 44% of blindness in Nigeria, a country where over 1.1 million people live with vision impairment.

In Delta State alone, untreated cataracts affect more than 25,000 residents.

The program operates under the Sustainable Primary Eye Care Services (SPECS) framework, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VCDF and the Delta State Ministry of Health.

SEEPCO’s full support has been instrumental in making the CSU a reality, enabling not only surgeries but also the systematic strengthening of the local public health system.

Before the first incision was made, the initiative prioritized capacity building. To date, 87 health workers have been trained in primary care delivery, while 2,447 individuals were screened during 62 community outreach camps across the state.

On February 26, 2026, VCDF successfully performed its inaugural cataract surgeries at Central Hospital Kwale, specifically benefiting the Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West communities.

High Chief Engr. Godwin Ifeanyi Edema, a senior community Chief from Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, noted that the initiative has brought life-changing specialized care directly to the people. Emeke Odigili, a surgery recipient, expressed deep gratitude for the restored hope that came with his free procedure.

Dr. Ernest Ogbedo, a VCDF Ophthalmologist, confirmed that the team has already completed 113 successful surgeries in Delta State.

Philip Ukemezia, VCDF’s Programmes Manager, emphasized that by leveraging SEEPCO’s commitment to social responsibility, the foundation has screened a total of 11,858 people and facilitated over 1,070 successful cataract and pterygium surgeries across Delta and Akwa Ibom states.