From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, in collaboration with Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, has provided free cataract consultations and life-changing surgeries to over 100 individuals in Bauchi State, helping them regain their sight and vision.
As part of the humanitarian outreach, an additional 300 residents also benefited from free mobile eye screenings aimed to restore vision, alleviate suffering, and improve the quality of life for people who may not afford essential eye care.
Speaking during an exercise held on Sunday at the Event Center in Bauchi, Umar Abubakar Magaji, an official of Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to supporting individuals with health challenges through humanitarian interventions.
“Today, we are conducting free eye screenings and cataract surgeries for individuals facing various visual impairments. This initiative is a result of our partnership with Al-Basar International Organisation,” Magaji said.
He noted that the outreach extends beyond cataract treatment, “During the screening, we identified numerous patients suffering from diverse eye conditions, some requiring immediate surgery, others in need of long-term medical care.”
“Alhamdulillah, we have so far screened a large number of individuals. Those diagnosed with cataracts or other operable conditions are being prepped for free surgeries, all fully sponsored through this collaboration,” he added.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Badamasi, Manager of Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Bauchi Branch, emphasised the significance of the partnership in addressing the growing burden of preventable blindness among underserved communities.
“This initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to alleviating human suffering and enhancing access to quality healthcare, particularly for the underprivileged,” Badamasi stated.
He explained that the hospital, operating under Al-Basar International Foundation, has a long-standing record of providing care for patients with glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision-related conditions.
“In keeping with our tradition of humanitarian service and corporate social responsibility, we have once again partnered with the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation to deliver free surgical interventions to those in need,” he said.
According to Badamasi, approximately 300 to 400 individuals were screened during the exercise, and around 100 were selected for free cataract surgery. He disclosed that each surgery, which costs over N142,200, was offered at no charge to the beneficiaries.
He further said, “While cataracts remain treatable, we also encountered several cases of advanced-stage glaucoma. Sadly, for some patients, surgical treatment can no longer restore vision, and they now require lifelong medication to manage the condition.”
He added, “We also identified a number of children suffering from bilateral cataracts who are in urgent need of surgery to restore their sight.”
Badamasi stressed the need for early diagnosis, public awareness, and sustained humanitarian support to combat avoidable blindness in the region.
He praised the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation for its unwavering commitment, noting that their collaboration is making a real difference in the lives of many.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Fatima Adamu, Amina A. Gambo, and Malam Ahmad Yashimu expressed their gratitude to the founder of Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Alhaji Bala Wunti, for his dedication to humanitarian services.
