A non-profit organization, Soroptimist International Club, Lekki, Lagos recently launched a campaign to prevent blindness in premature babies through early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition that can lead to lifelong vision loss.

The initiative was announced during the historic installation ceremony of Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Ezenwa, a Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician at the College of Medicine, LUTH, as the club’s third president.

A roll call of the dignitaries at the event includes; Dr. Babatunde Eletu, chairman of the occasion, Dr. Mrs. Adaku Aniebue, National President elect who significantly performed the the change of the insignia and Engr. Anthony Beri,the immediate past president of the lekki club.

The event also featured a lecture by a Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist in LUTH, Dr. Kareem Musa on ROP, where he emphasized the urgent need for intervention to protect premature infants from vision loss.

Ezenwa in her acceptance speech, reaffirmed her commitment to building on the club’s legacy by prioritising accessible healthcare, expanding outreach efforts, and advocating gender equality and social justice.

She said her tenure would focus on ensuring that premature infants receive timely eye screenings and treatment to prevent blindness caused by ROP. “Our goal is to offer at least 30 premature infants diagnostic screening within my tenure to detect, treat, and prevent blindness from Retinopathy of Prematurity,” she stated.

She emphasised that as preterm care improves, ROP cases are rising, making early screening and prompt treatment essential to preventing lifelong blindness.

Ezenwa outlined the major risk factors for ROP, including premature birth, low birth weight (less than 1.5kg), oxygen therapy, and family history. She highlighted the importance of early detection, as the condition typically presents no early warning symptoms.

“Regular eye exams for all at-risk premature infants, controlled oxygen therapy, and proper neonatal care are crucial preventive measures,” she noted. She explained that laser surgery, cryotherapy, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy are effective interventions for preventing vision loss. However, Ezenwa reiterated that early detection remains the most crucial factor in preventing blindness.

“We plan to ensure that all at-risk premature infants receive regular eye exams and immediate treatment, without financial constraints being a barrier. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent permanent blindness,” she added.

Dr. Ezenwa also pledged to collaborate with healthcare professionals and stakeholders to implement the project effectively, ensuring that premature infants receive the necessary medical attention.

She beckoned on members and the broader community to support the initiative, emphasising that it aligns with the club’s mission to improve healthcare access and empower women and children.