FCTA, Noor Dubai Foundation Povide Free Cataract Surgeries

By: Badaru Yakasai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration in collaboration with the Noor Dubai Foundation is providing free cataract surgeries to three hundred patients in the Territory.

Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise at the Asokoro District Hospital, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the Free Cataract Surgeries, Medications, and Spectacles Initiative, is targeted at vulnerable populations across the Federal Capital Territory.

Fasawe, who was represented at the occasion by the Director Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama, added that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the on-going efforts to provide essential eye health services to the underserved members of the society, particularly those who suffer from cataract-induced blindness and have limited access to care.

Her words: “Today, we are united by a shared vision—to restore sight, improve lives, and ensure that every individual, regardless of socio-economic status, can access the life-changing eye care they need.”

“I believe that the programme goes beyond cataract surgeries and spectacles—it is about restoring dignity, enhancing independence, and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by cataract-induced blindness. In addition, the initiative will equip healthcare workers, particularly those in primary healthcare centers, with the skills and training necessary to continue identifying and referring patients for care, ensuring a sustainable impact long after today’s event,” the Mandate reiterated.

She emphasized that with the launching of this noble initiative, “we must remember that the burden of eye diseases such as cataracts, refractive errors, and glaucoma continues to affect vulnerable populations across the Territory”.

According to her, with initiatives like this and the continued support of our partners, we are confident that we can make significant progress in addressing these challenges.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr. Manal Al-Shamsi, said Noor Dubai Foundation is a Dubai based Non- Governmental Organisation that specializes in
prevention of blindness.

She added that the humanitarian campaign is in collaboration with Inclusive Eye Care Foundation, a Nigerian NGO,
and DP World Foundation.

Al-Shamsi added that the 10 days of eye camp hosted by Asokoro District Hospital and the FCT Administration provided free screening and treatment to over 300 people, including 250 cataract surgeries.

She maintained that the programme will be screening for disabling eye diseases such as cataracts, refractive errors, and
providing medical treatment, eye
glasses and surgery to treat common eye disorders.

Abuja Digest reports that Noor Dubai Foundation had several successful programmes in Nigeria in the past, including several similar eye camps in Kaduna and Katsina State, respectively.

In his remarks, the Director Programme, World Foundation, Mr. Khalid Al-Bastaki, said the programme concentrated on Manpower development through
training of 250 Primary Healthcare
employees, 12 nurses, and
optometrists.

He said that in 2021, the United Nations
resolution No. 75 of July 2021
acknowledged eye care services as
part of Universal Health Coverage
relevant to goal SDG-3.

Al-Bastaki added that the UN further recognized 2 indicators for monitoring/reporting the contributions of eye care to the SDG goals.

These are effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC); noting that Cataract and
refractive errors are the two major
causes of blindness and visual
impairment globally.