Soludo’s 66th Birthday: Free Eye Surgeries Restore Hope, Sight to Anambra Residents
Beyond the surgical interventions, beneficiaries also received free prescription glasses, medications and professional eye care consultations aimed at improving their long-term eye health.
_By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
Hundreds of residents of Anambra State and neighbouring communities have benefited from a free eye screening and surgical outreach organised in honour of the 66th birthday of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
The medical outreach, held at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, located within the Nise Primary Health Care Centre, commenced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with registration and comprehensive eye screening, while surgical procedures began on Monday, July 27.
The programme, organised by friends of Governor Soludo as part of activities marking his 66th birthday, was designed to provide free eye care services for residents suffering from avoidable causes of blindness, particularly cataracts and glaucoma.
The initiative attracted beneficiaries from different parts of Anambra State and beyond, many of whom had lived with impaired vision for years due to financial constraints.
As of the time of filing this report, more than 100 patients had undergone screening, with about 40 successful surgeries already carried out. Medical officials disclosed that additional patients who met the requirements for surgery were scheduled to undergo the procedure in the coming days.
Beyond the surgical interventions, beneficiaries also received free prescription glasses, medications and professional eye care consultations aimed at improving their long-term eye health.
Speaking with Odogwublog TV and Donsonix Media, the Anambra State Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Desk Officer, Dr. Ezeonyeka Chioma Gertrude, who represented the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Dr. Obi Ifeanyi, described the outreach as a life-changing intervention capable of significantly reducing the burden of avoidable blindness across the state.
According to her, many patients who had undergone successful surgeries regained their sight and could not hide their excitement.
She explained that some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude by offering prayers and even singing a birthday song in honour of Governor Soludo, describing the emotional moment as a reflection of the profound impact the initiative had made on their lives.
Dr. Ezeonyeka commended Governor Soludo for establishing the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, describing it as a modern and well-equipped facility with highly qualified personnel dedicated to preserving the eyesight of Ndi Anambra.
“I sincerely appreciate Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for establishing this magnificent Specialist Eye Care Centre and for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one in Anambra loses his or her sight due to preventable eye conditions. As he celebrates his 66th birthday, we wish him many more fruitful years in good health and greater accomplishments in service to humanity,” she said.
She further encouraged individuals experiencing eye-related problems not to delay seeking professional medical attention, noting that many eye conditions can be successfully treated when detected early.
The health official also applauded the leadership of the Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Obi Ifeanyi, for ensuring the successful implementation of the outreach, while paying tribute to the former Chief Medical Director of the Centre, Dr. Ikenna Mbakigwe, who personally carried out many of the surgical procedures during the exercise.
Some of the beneficiaries also shared emotional testimonies after regaining their sight.
One of them, Mrs. Elem Oluchi from Onitsha, described the free surgery as a divine intervention.
“My heart is filled with joy. I had been told long ago that I needed surgery, but I could not afford it because I struggled even to feed myself. This opportunity is truly the Lord’s doing, and I thank God the operation was successful. I also wish Governor Soludo a happy birthday and pray that God grants him long life and good health.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. John Okechukwu from Ogbu in Orumba North Local Government Area, said he learnt about the programme while at home and underwent surgery on Tuesday, July 28.
He expressed gratitude for the successful operation and urged others suffering from similar eye conditions not to lose hope but to visit the Specialist Eye Care Centre for proper medical attention.
According to him, before the surgery he often walked awkwardly because of his poor vision, but after regaining his sight, he could move around confidently again.
The free eye care outreach has been widely described by beneficiaries as more than a birthday celebration. For many, it represents a renewed opportunity to live independently, return to productive livelihoods and reconnect with loved ones after years of visual impairment.
As medical teams continue to attend to more patients, the initiative stands as a powerful reminder that access to quality healthcare remains one of the most meaningful investments in human dignity and development. For dozens of beneficiaries whose world has become brighter once again, the greatest birthday gift was not the celebration itself, but the priceless restoration of their sight and hope for a better future.
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