Rotary Eye Institute Service in Nigeria
Since 2005, REI has been regularly providing value-added eye care services through free screening and surgical eye camps in Nigeria & Ghana. As of today 13 international visits have resulted in the screening of more than 1,75,000 patients, 15,155 operations, and distribution of 18,000 spectacles to needy patients.
In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, eye care resources are insufficient. As in other parts of Africa, the rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria do not have eye care facilities.
The prevalence of blindness in Nigeria is estimated to be 0.78%. Over 1,000,000 adults are blind and another 3,000,000 are visually impaired.
• 42 out of every 1000 adults aged 40 and above are blind.
• Every two out of three Nigerians are blind from causes
that could have been avoided, such as cataracts, which is the single most common cause of blindness.
• Blindness is almost three times more common in the dry northern areas (the Sahel) than in southern delta areas.
• Illiterate participants were found twice as likely to be blind as literate ones.
In 2005, Rotary Eye Institute (REI), Navsari – India’s leading charitable institution, under the support and guidance of Mr. N. G. Patel, organized its first free eye camp in Nigeria where more than 1200 patients were operated for various eye diseases. It was this selfless act of community service that inspired the Indian business community residing in Nigeria to come together and establish a permanent eye care project for the people of Nigeria. Thus, Indo Eye Care Foundation was born. Since 2005, Rotary Eye Institute has been regularly providing eye care services through free screening and surgical eye camps in Nigeria and Ghana. Till March 2018, REI had made a total of 13 visits to Nigeria. During these 13 visits, we have screened more than 1,75,000 patients, operated 15,155 patients, and distributed 18000 spectacles to needy patients.
More than 82% of blind are 50 years of age or older. And given the projected demographic changes and population growth in the recent future, the incidence of chronic, non-communicable diseases affecting eyesight is only expected to rise. In addition, females are at a significantly higher risk of being visually impaired because of inadequate access to eye care. The least economically developed societies and communities experience the highest prevalence of visual impairment. REI has also transcended national boundaries to help the people of Africa where there is a dire need to provide quality eye care services to semi-urban and rural areas with a focus on preventable blindness. During its 7 visits, REI, under the banner of Indo Eye Care International – U.K, and Indo Eye Care Foundation – Keeping its commitment to serve to the community at large, REI initiated to establish a permanent Eye care project in Nigeria for its excellence in Eyecare as a technical partner.
MISSION FOR VISION IN NIGERIA
Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari-India…
Established in 1977, as a permanent project of Rotary Club of Navsari, to provide world-class eye care to thousands of people suffering from eye-related problems, today Rotary Eye Institute (REI)– a non-profit hospital, has been recognized as one of India s leading charitable institutions. It offers a wide array of services that encompass every sphere of eye health, namely, Eye Treatment, Ophthalmic Education, Research, Eye Banking, Prevention & Awareness and Rehabilitation, thus, ensuring 360 degree Eye Care. It offers eye care services to people without differentiating them on the basis of caste, religion or country.
REI boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure, which enables it to provide a wide array of eye care services including Cataract, Retina, Cornea and Glaucoma. Over the last 30 years, REI has treated more than 2 million patients, organized more than 8,900 free eye camps, besides collecting over 19,000 eye balls for Corneal Transplantation Surgery. More than 70% of the total patients, who are from economically backward class section, are treated free of cost at REI. The institute needs support from the society to continue eye care services and also to conduct 6000- 7000free cataract operations every year.
REI has also transcended national boundaries to help the people of Africa where there is dire need to provide quality eye care services to semi-urban and rural areas with focus on preventable blindness. During its 7 visits, REI, under the banner of Indo Eye Care International – U.K, and Indo Eye Care Foundation – Lagos, not only performed more than 9,000 free eye surgeries, but also conducted Research, Awareness, Prevention and Rehabilitation Programs in Nigeria & Ghana. Keeping its commitment to serve to community at large, REI initiated to establish a permanent Eye care project in Nigeria for its excellence in Eye care as a technical partner.
EYECARE
Socio-Economic Condition in Nigeria
No matter how compelling the darkness
One ray of light is all it takes to dispel it
In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, eye care resources are insufficient. As in other parts of Africa, the rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria do not have eye care facilities.
The prevalence of blindness in Nigeria is estimated to be 0.78%. Over 1,000,000 adults are blind and another 3,000,000 are visually impaired.
- 42 out of every 1000 adults aged 40 and above are blind.
- Every two out of three Nigerians are blind from causes which could have been avoided, such as cataract, which is the single most common cause of blindness.
- Blindness is almost three times more common in the dry northern areas (the Sahel) than in southern delta areas.
- Illiterate participants were found twice as likely to be blind as literate ones.
More than 82% of blind are 50 years of age or older. And given the projected demographic changes and population growth in the recent future, the incidence of chronic, non-communicable diseases affecting eyesight is only expected to rise. In addition, females are at a significantly higher risk of being visually impaired because of inadequate access to eye care. The least economically developed societies and communities experience the highest prevalence of visual impairment.
The Federal Ministry of Health, in association with Sight Savers, conducted a survey of adults aged 40 and above, which not only revealed important data about the number of blind and visually impaired people in Nigeria, but also uncovered its causes. The survey reported 4,86,000 adults across the country in immediate need of cataract surgery, besides unfolding other important causes of blindness, viz. Glaucoma (a condition where the optic nerve is damaged, often by high pressure inside the eye), Corneal Scarring and poor procedures of Cataract Surgery. River Blindness and Trachoma were together found to account for five percent of blindness.
In this part of Africa, the number of ophthalmologists is less than one per million people. Moreover, like many developing countries, Nigeria suffers from inadequate trained staff and necessary equipments for eye treatments. Therefore, there is a dire need to provide quality eye care services in Nigeria.
Before five-six decades, many African countries attracted the attention of few dynamic Indian families to start their business and industries. These Indians became prosperous in their business and industries by putting their untiring efforts. As per the Indian community’s nature to help the needy and poor people in the society, they thought to serve the people of the country where they have earned their prosperity. Indian Families like Mr. N. G. Patel, Mr. H. B. Chanrai started these charities decades before. Mr. N. G. Patel’s family did many charities in India through Rotary International.
They started the Humanitarian Projects in Nigeria for Eye Care Treatment and Rotary Eye Institute was involved by Mr. N. G. Patel first in the year 2005 for this humanitarian project which was continued for long.
OPERATION OUTREACH: MISSION FOR VISION IN NIGERIA (MG # 51713)
(March 25 April 28, 2005)
SPONSORED BY:
- Indian Community at Lagos & Abeokuta
- The Rotary Foundation, USA
- Rotary Clubs of Canada, India, Nigeria
In partnership with - Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
SURGERIES: including
Cataract, squint, glaucoma, pterygium Medicines, IOL lenses and dark glasses 2005 – MG # 51713
- Total 1443 Surgeries
- 5 Corneal Transplantation (keratoplasty)
- Bi-lateral Cataract in 50 children
- Distributed 1,500 pairs of glasses
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
1. Lagos State General Hospital, Marina, Lagos
2 Ijaiye State Hospital Abeokuta, Ogun State
OUR RECOGNITION
- Technical Assistance in establishment of 1st Eye Bank in Lagos-Nigeria.
- Impressed by the activities of REI , His Excellency Governor Mr.Benga Daniel Ogun State, Nigeria invited the team to the Governor’s House to recognize our services, Offered 2 hector of land in Abeokuta for establishment of an Eye Hospital with Technical support of REI, Navsari, Gujarat, India.
- Free air transport of medical team with 600 kgs extra baggage from Lagos- Accra-Lagos by Virgin Airlines.
- A corneal blind patient was motivated to come to India free of cost for treatment. He was given vision by Keratoplasty surgery at REI, Navsari, India. (His air travel was financed by a doctor in Nigeria).
SAVE OUR SIGHT PROJECT 2006 (MG # 60673)
(Oct. 13 – Nov.03, 2006)
SPONSORED BY:
- The Rotary Foundation, USA
- Rotary Clubs of Navsari and Nigeria
- Indian Community at Lagos & Abeokuta
In partnership with - Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
- Total 649 Surgeris
- Bi-lateral cataract in 10 children
- Distributed 2,000 pairs of eye-glasses
- Establishment of Indo Eye Care Foundation
for treatment and prevention of blindness
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
1. Lagos State General Hospital, Marina Inauguration Dr.Tolla Kasali, State Commissioner for Health
2. Ijaiye State Hospital Abeokuta, Ogun State Inauguration : Dr. Dada State Commissioner of Health
3. La General Hospital, Accra (2006)
SAVE THE SIGHT, SPREAD THE LIGHT PROJECT 2007
(November 12 to December 9, 2007)
SPONSORED BY:
- Royal Ceramics Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria
- Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Kaduna, Nigeria
In partnership with
- Indo Eye Care Foundation, Nigeria
- Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
- Metro-Group of Industries, Nigeria
- Rotary Club of Navsari, Navsari, India
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
- National Eye Center, Kaduna
- State General Hospital, Marina, Lagos
- Ejaye General Hospital, Abeokuta
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Provided fellowship training to PG students of National Eye Center,Kaduna during Operation Dr. Bade Ogundeepe, Opthalmologist, joint us in operation at General Hosptal, Abeokuta.
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
SURGERIES: including
Cataract, Glaucoma & pterygium Medicines, IOL lenses and dark glasses
- Total 1204 Surgeries
- Lagos: 304
- Abeokuta: 264
- Kaduna: 636
- Distributed 2100 pairs of glasses
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Given vision to two blind students of Blind School, Kaduna who were studying in Blind school form last 4 years.
OUR RECOGNITION
- Ex. President of Nigeria His Excellency, Mr. Obasanjo has visited the camp site at Abeokuta and invited the Indian Team for a send-off party at his house. Offered to arrange again one eye camp in March 2008 by the sponsors.
- Two corneal blind patients were identified and offered free treatment of corneal transplantation at Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India. Get State Guest Honor from Ogun State and Governor of Ogun State, Hs Excellency Mr. Benga Danial invited the team for breakfast.
SAVE THE SIGHT, SPREAD THE LIGHT PROJECT 2008
(March 9 March 26, 2008)
SPONSORED BY:
- Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Kaduna, Nigeria
- Indo-eye Care Foundation, Nigeria
In partnership with
- Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
- The Rotary Foundation
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
Amino Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
SURGERIES: including Cataract , glaucoma, pterygium
Medicines, IOL lenses and dark glasses
- Total 1090 Surgeries at Kano
OUR RECOGNITION
- Primer Rotary Club of Nigeria “Rotary Club of Kano” invited Mr. Purohit and honored with a fellowship pin.
- Hon. Commissioner of Health Kano has visited the camp site.
SAVE THE SIGHT, SPREAD THE LIGHT PROJECT 2009
(Feb.00- Feb.00, 2009)
SPONSORED BY:
- Somotex
- Nipco Ltd.
- Kaycee Foundation
- Metropolitan Industries, Nigeria
- Indo Eye Care International
- Rotary International
In partnership with
- Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
- Indo Eye Care Foundation-Lagos
- Indo Eye Care International,U.K
- The Rotary Foundation, USA
- Rotary Club of Navsari
- Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Nigeria
- State Governments of Lagos, Ogun and
- Admawa state, Nigeria
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
Lagos State General Hospital, Marina Ijaiye State Hospital, Abeokuta Specilist Hospital, Yola
OUR RECOGNITION
- Camps Inaugurated by Dr. Tolla Kasali State Commissioner Sp. Duties & Dr.Mrs.Abiodun Oduwole State Commissioner of Health.
- State Honour on Dinner hosted by His Excellency Governor Murtala Nyako.
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
- Free Surgery – 1437 Patients
- Screening -16800 Patients
- Free Glasses – 2000 Patients
- Free Eye Drops & Medicines – 3254 Patients
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Demonstrative surgeries at surgical camps before Nigeria medical staff
Offer of technical assistance and training for establishing Eye Hospital in Yola
Offer to train Ophthalmologist & Optometrist & Ophthalmic assistants at the base Hospital-REI, Navsari India.
SAVE THE SIGHT, SPREAD THE LIGHT-II PROJECT 2009
(Oct. 25-Nov. 15, 2009)
SPONSORED BY:
- Nipco Plc Ltd.
- Rotary Club Of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, Nigera
- Indo-eye Care International, UK
- Metropolitan Group Of Industries, Nigeria
In partnership with
- Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
- The Rotary Foundation
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
- State General Hospital, Marina, Lagos
- Amino Teaching Hospital, Kano
- Ebonyi State University Hospital, Abakaliki
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
SURGERIES: including
Cataract , glaucoma, pterygium
Medicines, IOL lenses and dark glasses
- Total 1751 Surgeries at Kano, Abakaliki & Lagos
DIGNITARIES VISITED AT THE CAMPSITE
- Health Minister, Kano State
- Deputy Governor, Ebonyi State
- Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University
- Health Minister, Ebonyi State
- P.R.I.P. Mr. Jonathan Mugjiyagbe visited the campsite at Kano
- Delegates Small Worlds
- Chairman, MD and CEO, NIPCO PLC Ltd.
- District Governor and District Governor Elect, Dist. 9110
- Representative from Indian High Commission, Nigeria
GIFT OF SIGHT NIGERIA 2010
(Sept. 5 Sept. 22, 2010)
SPONSORED BY:
- Rotary Club Of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, Nigeria
- Indo-eye Care International, Uk
- Metropolitan Group Of Industries, Nigeria
- H. B. Chanrai & Co
In partnership with
- Rotary Eye Institute, Navsari, India
- The Rotary Foundation
SURGICAL CAMP CENTERS
- State General Hospital, Marina, Lagos
- Ijayi State General Hospital, , Abeokuta
WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED
SURGERIES: including
Cataract , glaucoma, pterygium
Medicines, IOL lenses and dark glasses
- Total 624 Surgeries at Lagos & Abeokuta
DIGNITARIES VISITED AT THE CAMPSITE
- Chief Secretary- Indian High Commission, Nigeria
- Minister-Physical Planning and Administration
- His Excellency – Deputy Governor – Ogun State
- Dr. Soley – Past President-Federal Govt. of Nigeria and Minister of Finance-Ogun State
- Dr. Soga District Governor 9110
Indo Eye Care Foundation
In 2005, Rotary Eye Institute (REI), Navsari – India’s leading charitable institution, under the support and guidance of Mr N. G. Patel, organized its first free eye camp in Nigeria where more than 1200 patients were operated for various eye diseases. It was this selfless act of community service that inspired the Indian business community residing in Nigeria to come together and establish a permanent eye care project for the people of Nigeria. Thus, Indo Eye Care Foundation was born. Today, it is a leading charitable organization, located at Lagos, Nigeria.
Rotary Club of Lagos, which started in 2007, organized three eye camps in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively, in association with Indo Eye Care Foundation. Overwhelmed by these successful eye camps, Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate has planned to build a world class Eye Hospital in Nigeria, under the banner of Indo Eye Care Foundation. Now, it’s also a permanent project for the club.
The proposed eye hospital with 150 beds will be equipped with latest equipments and state-of-the-art technology. The hospital will have:
- Two operation theatres where 20 patients can be operated
in a day. - Specialized Clinics for Cornea, Retina, Glaucoma, Squint, Orthoptics and Contact Lenses.
- Out-Patient Department with capacity to examine 200
patients in a day - A Special Facility to offer free treatment to people coming from economically challenged sections of the society.
The hospital will have specialized facilities for:
Cataract
According to the latest assessment, age related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people. Although cataract can be surgically removed, inadequate surgical services in many countries make it the leading cause of blindness. Also, as the life expectancy of people across the world has increased; so has the number of people with cataract. Cataract is also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataract may still be prevalent because of the long waiting period for operations and impediment to surgical advancements, such as high costs, lack of information, and transportation problems.
In order to fight the lack of awareness amongst people and to provide quality eye care at an affordable cost, Indo Eye Care Hospital will offer advanced treatment to cataract patients.
Glaucoma
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 45 million blind people across the world and 135 million who are visually impaired and at a risk of becoming totally blind. However, more than 80 percent of these cases can be cured or prevented. It is further estimated that 5.2 million people worldwide are totally blind because of Glaucoma, a visual loss associated with increased pressure within the eye. There are 105 million suspected cases of Glaucoma that are at a risk of becoming blind, with majority of them living in developing countries.
Glaucoma is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness in India too. During REI’s last five annual visits to Nigeria, it was observed that Glaucoma is a prevailing disease amongst Nigerians as well. To help them fight this disease, the Indo Eye Care Hospital will be equipped with the latest unit in the treatment of Glaucoma. Timely treatment of Glaucoma can prevent and restore patients’ eye sight.
Cornea
Every 5 seconds one person in the world becomes blind. It is estimated that worldwide, the number of people with refractive error range from about 800 million to 2.3 billion. In developing countries, like India, it is estimated to be the second largest cause of treatable blindness, after cataract. The only treatment for such corneal diseases is Corneal Transplantation (keratoplasty). It helps restore the vision of patients who have corneal scarring. Corneal Transplantation also helps restore ocular integrity, non- healing corneal ulcer – especially fungal ulcers found in developing countries, and vision and ocular integrity of patients suffering from corneal melting due to chemical injuries.
It is also essential to establish an eye-bank in Nigeria that is operated by the hospital itself. Although the concept of eye donation in Nigeria is negligible and the number of corneas collected inadequate, there is hope. If eye donation campaigns are regularly conducted in Nigeria, a lot of people will be able to open their eyes to a better future. To establish such an eye bank, technical support is being rendered by the Rotary Eye Institute (REI). REI also manages an independent eye bank that collects around 1600 to 1800 corneas per year. Establishing an eye bank in the hospital with the latest equipment will go a long way in reducing corneal blindness.
Retina
Retina is a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner most eye with a thickness of 200 to 250 micro-meters. Retinopathy is a form of non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye, due to systemic diseases like diabetic retinopathy and hypertension retinopathy which may lead to permanent vision loss. In Nigeria too, number of patients with retinal problems are growing considerably. On the other hand, ophthalmologists who can treat retinal diseases are very few. To prevent and cure this disease, investigations like FFA, Fundus Camera, Vitrectomy machine, Laser machines like Yag and Argon and OCT machine will be available at the Indo Eye Care Hospital.
Low Vision
Low Vision, a loss of sharpness or acuity but may present as a loss of field of vision, light sensitivity, distorted vision or loss of contras, significantly impairs the functioning of the patient and cannot be adequately corrected with medical, surgical, therapy, conventional eyewear or contact lenses.
Many patients are told that “Nothing more can be done” for their sight. This is quite often not true. A low vision service is designed to benefit those people whose ability to function in everyday tasks has been compromised by impaired vision. A team of professionals evaluates a person’s vision and how he functions with it, determines the role vision plays in varying aspects of his life (whether it be at work, school, or social situations) and assesses how his visual state affects his well-being. The hospital will have dedicated Low Vision Department where specific training, counseling, and low vision devices will be provided to help the patient overcome the problems due to visual loss.
Community Eye Care
The objective of the eye hospital is to make a positive difference to the lives of the visually impaired. In an endeavour to achieve this, the hospital will organize free eye camps in schools, factories and also in the remote areas of the country, where no eye care facilities are available. Besides conducting free eye check ups and eye surgeries, the hospital will also provide eye glasses and other medical supplies free of cost in those areas. Under the community eye care, the hospital will regularly run campaigns to create awareness about the importance of eye health and highlight prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.
As you are aware, meeting the needs of people who needs assistance requires funding combined with the hard work of dedicated volunteers. On a mission to restore vision, we need support and co-operation from individual donors, corporate houses, and international organizations to achieve this herculean task. Our target is to complete the hospital in the next ten months. We solicit your support for this noble cause to serve the society.
The journey is long Challenges too many
But if your support meets our determination A milestone will be achieved
Indo Eye Care Foundation
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Naming of the floors in the Hospital
- Naming of Operation Theatre
- Mobile VanAmbulance
- Supporting One Cataract Surgery
- Sponsoring one ophthalmic screening camp
- Gifting Equipment
- Naming of the Department
- Cornea Dept.
- Retina Dept.
- Glaucoma Dept.
- Low Vision Aid Dept.
- Laser Unit
- Orthoptics Dept.
- Contact Lens Dept.
- Refraction Dept.
- Pathology Laboratory
- Spectacle Dispensing Unit
- Female Ward, Male Ward, Special & Delux Rooms
- Corpus Fund
1 Slit Lamp with Imaging System 2
2 Fundus Camera 1
3 Indirect Ophthalmoscope 2
4 A-Scan 1
5 B Scan 1
6 Auto Refractometer 2
7 Reflection Unit 2
8 Yag Laser 1
9 Argon Laser 1
10 Perimetry 1
11 OCT – II Phase 1
12 Vitrectomy 1
13 Caurtery 1
14 Synaptophor 1
15 Chair Unit 4
16 Microscope 2
17 Phaco Emulsification Machine 1
18 Topography 1
Contact :
Indo Eye Care Foundation
10, Commonwealth Avenue, Palm Grove Estate, Illupeju, Lagos, Nigeria.
Liaison Office :
Mr. N. G. Patel Metro Industries Ltd.
7/11 Industrial Avenue, Illupeju, Lagos, Nigeria. Ph : 01 496 8175-8
E-mail : operations @ patplast.com
India Contact :
Rotary Eye Institute
Dudhia Talao, Navsari 396445 Gujarat, India. Ph. : 91 2637 258920, 258931
E-mail : rotaryeye@sify.com