Health
Eye clinic offers one-week free checks for Anambra residents
By Ikenna Obianeri
An eye hospital, COV-OPTICS Eye Hospital, has officially opened its South-East regional headquarters in Awka, Anambra State, expanding access to comprehensive eye-care services for residents of the state and the wider South-East region.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, located at Queen of Hearts Close, off Old INEC Road, Okpuno, Awka, the founder and Chief Optometrist of the facility, Dr Chikodi Oranuka, said the clinic was established as a critical step towards preventing avoidable blindness.
Oranuka urged residents to embrace regular eye examinations and announced a one-week free eye check for residents of the state and its environs, adding that the facility would serve as a foundation dedicated in memory of his father, who encouraged him to become a doctor.
He explained that the modern eye hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities and supported by experienced eye-care professionals committed to delivering quality, patient-centred services in a comfortable environment.
Oranuka said the initiative was part of the hospital’s commitment to making quality eye care more accessible while encouraging early detection and treatment of eye-related conditions.
He said, “Our goal is to make eye care accessible and convenient so that early detection and treatment become the norm, not the exception. The facility is established to strengthen the availability of quality eye-care services in Anambra, the South-East and Nigeria at large.
“The facility is also dedicated to the memory of my late father, Chief Christopher Oranuka, who inspired and motivated me to attain this present height. It is to enhance the availability of eye-care services to the people.”
Reflecting on the hospital’s journey in Anambra State, Oranuka disclosed that COV-OPTICS began operations in the state about four years ago from a small rented apartment.
The optometrist assured residents that the hospital will prioritise affordability, particularly for vulnerable members of society, while maintaining internationally accepted standards of practice.
He attributed the growing rate of eye-related problems in the country largely to poor awareness, delayed hospital visits and financial barriers, adding that to address the challenges, the hospital will provide support for patients who cannot afford treatment.
He said, “Eye examinations at least once every six months is highly recommended, because early detection could reduce vision loss caused by delayed treatment by more than 50 to 60 per cent.
“We are seeking the partnership of the federal and state governments, corporate organisations and concerned individuals in all ramifications to enable us to offer effective services to the needy.
“This opening follows years of our successful service here in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, where COV-OPTICS Eye Hospital has built a reputation for modern facilities and patient-centred care,” Oranuka added.
Also, a former Anambra State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chief Chikodi Anara, said, “The facility and its medical personnel possess the expertise required to deliver quality eye care.”
Similarly, ACP Ugoeze Dame Nwokoma, in charge of Administration at the Police Zone 13, Ukpo, testified to the clinic’s professionalism, recalling that she received excellent care when she went for care.
The traditional ruler of Okpuno in the Awka South Local Government Area, Igwe Sunday Okafor, also commended the clinic’s modern equipment and expressed optimism that its services would improve the health of residents within and beyond the community.
As part of activities marking the grand opening, COV Optics Eye Clinic announced a one-week free medical eye service for members of the public, offering residents an opportunity to undergo professional eye examinations and access other eye care services at no cost.
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