In a profound act of compassion and service, kakalistiq.com reports that the Thani Oladunjoye Old People Care Center (TOOPCC) in Epe, Lagos State, has once again changed the narrative for elderly citizens suffering from poor eyesight and total blindness. With the successful completion of 20 new eye surgeries, the facility, according to the Convener, has now restored sight to 78 elderly beneficiaries, with 28 more currently awaiting their turn.
At the heart of this humanitarian effort by Mr Tunde Thani lies a commitment not only to treat but to transform the lives of vulnerable senior citizens who had long been trapped in a world of darkness.
At the facility, an Optometrist conducted the check ups alongside follow-up tests, distribution of prescribed drugs, and provision of medicated glasses, all completely free of charge.
For many, the restored sight is more than a medical procedure, it’s a chance to live again.
A student of Government Technical College, Odomola, Opeyemi Ishola, shared a personal testimony of hope. “My grandmother was operated around 1:53 PM in Ijebu-Ode,” she said, beaming with joy.
Narrating her journey from isolation to independence, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Akinwale Florence from Jagunmolu Street, Epe, spoke emotionally about her transformation.
“I cannot see something far but now I can. I can now recognize the number of my fingers and as well give me her phone and I’m very excited about that. We didn’t pay a dime. With drugs and others, I projected the sum of 800,000 if the surgery was executed elsewhere but we got the treatment free at TOOPC. The only thing I can say is that GOD BLESS them.”
Mr. Leonard Houeti, a native of Benin Republic and resident of Akodo in Ibeju-Lekki, recalled how long his sight had been failing.
“The sight problem began 25 years ago on the left eye and later on the right. People were afraid to go for surgery but with mine, I’ll encourage patients with eye defects to get it operated on because it wasn’t painful. You won’t even know that you are being operated on. I feel very great. When I reach where I stay, people will be very happy because they thought that I won’t see again. Anybody that comes across the facility should not be afraid, they should pray for him. The surgery was conducted yesterday and I feel great.”
Mrs. Apakala Wosila, who lives on 28 Olowogbowo Street, Oke-Balogun, shared how her failing sight once controlled every part of her life.
“It used to be like I see cobwebs and something blurry. In the past, I used to stay indoors and not go out in the evening. I don’t leave any spot at home without my torch in case I would be needing to ease myself but now I can see. Aside from the tests, my friends who have conducted such surgery told me it’s 450,000. Now, Thani Oladunjoye Old People Care Center has come to my aid. I had a fractured leg and went through physiotherapy. My children have been excited that the facility saved them money because whether they like it or not, they’ll cough out the money but this has saved them a fortune.”
Pa Olayole Ligali, a 71-year-old from Itungbehin Quarters, Epe, opened up on the despair he felt while living in darkness.
“From my secondary school days at Epe Grammar School, I used to have challenges with my sight but four years ago, it was as if I had been in the dark. I contemplated suicide because I didn’t see anything. My children and wife were taking care of me but at some point, they travelled and my wife went to Ijebu-Ode, leaving me behind with my tenants. My elder brother told me about this place. I came here last year and I was told that my operation is due. Yesterday was for my batch. One has been operated and I see clearly. Before now, I can’t recognize anybody but I can only hear people’s voices. It’s now different. I’m grateful to the center. Mrs. Apena, the Matron who has been taking care of me is known to me because we are from the same area and this was until my sight was restored before I could recognize her. I’m so happy.”
Mrs. Abass Abiodun, a resident of Olooto Street, Iraye, recounted how her sight worsened after a previous failed treatment. She said:
“My left eye went blind suddenly but whenever I come here, I don’t complain about it. Three years ago, it was washed medically from a hospital and it became worse. I got here for clinicals and later I was told I’m among those who will be operated for surgery yesterday.
Before now, I can’t recognize your face but now I can and I hope it will be clearer with more care. I was going to an optical facility in Ilese for tests and was billed 500k per month for each eye. My pastor and children and tenants were sad about it, they cried bitterly about the sad loss of my sight. I’m grateful for the opportunity because before now, I can’t even cross the road. TOOPC is a divine project from God which all well-meaning individuals should do.”
Mrs. Adesewa Jagbojagbo, the daughter of Mrs. Taibat Sanni, also testified about their fears before surgery.
“Her two sights were gone, walking became difficult. We usually hold her to walk and don’t even know when to cross or recognize a car. We were scared to go for the surgery so it doesn’t complicate the damage. One was done at first with medicare in the facility and the second was done yesterday and I’m thankful to God for the success. I’m grateful for the convener of TOOPC. She said that the operation elsewhere for both eyes to be operated would run into millions and such money will be used to take care of her grandma.”
Adding her own joy-filled voice, Mrs. Taibat Sanni said: “I can now see. A bike, car, or human coming from afar can now be seen.”
This initiative, cutting across social class, religion, and ethnic background is a shining example of what purposeful philanthropy can achieve. The Thani Oladunjoye Old People Care Center has not just treated blindness; it has restored dignity, independence, and hope to those who once believed their lives had faded into permanent darkness.
It is a reminder that with intentional support from well-meaning individuals and institutions, the lives of our elderly can be transformed for the better, one surgery at a time.
