In celebration of World Sight Day on October 10, 2024, Lions International District 418, under the leadership of Lion Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan, organized a free cataract surgery session for 100 underprivileged patients.

The surgeries, held at the Save the Nation's Sight Clinic, aimed to provide crucial eye care services to those who cannot afford the treatment.

This initiative forms part of the Lions International District 418 Ghana Vision Project, which took place from October 7 to 10, 2024.

The project not only offered surgeries but also featured a community sensitization and education campaign to raise awareness about eye health.

Volunteers from the organization took to the streets with placards, sharing vital information on eye health.

“Cataracts are not something you should live with. They can be treated through surgery,” said Dr. Fiti Kwarteng, an optometrist at the Save the Nation Clinic.

She further explained that some of the patients had bilateral cataracts and would undergo surgery on both eyes to restore their vision.

“We received information that many people had been on the waiting list for cataract surgery for years because they could not afford it, so we decided to sponsor their surgery. As Knights of the Blind, we believe that the gift of sight is one of the most invaluable gifts one can give,” said District Governor Lion Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan.

Lion Dr. Isaac Owusu, Chairperson for District 418 urged individuals suffering from cataracts to seek medical care, emphasizing that the condition is treatable.

Lion Oscar Onai, District Marketing and Communications Chairperson, called on individuals and organizations to support their mission of extending free medical services to more people.

Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the organization for covering the cost of their surgeries.

“I am very grateful to them. Without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the surgery,” said one of the recipients.

Another beneficiary added, “I heard about the free surgery through a WhatsApp message, and they even gave me transport fare. I didn’t pay for anything.”

“I want to thank the organization for such a gesture,” one reiterated.

Lions International, a charitable organization that has been serving communities since 1917, focuses on several key areas including childhood cancer, diabetes, hunger, and vision care. Since 2024, they have increased their efforts to support those with sight-related issues, particularly on World Sight Day.

Through this life-changing initiative, Lions International District 418 continues to serve communities by ensuring that those in need of medical care, particularly eye surgeries, receive the assistance they require.