BATMEDICS, a political support group for President Bola Tinubu, has provided comprehensive free eye screening for no fewer than 500 commercial drivers and motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.
The National Director, Research, Media and Strategic Communication, Petra Onyegbule, said this in a statement made available to reporters on Friday.
According to the statement, the exercise, held in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day with the theme “Love Your Eyes”.
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, is a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment.
Onyegbule said the exercise provided free eye testing, medication prescriptions and corrective eye surgeries for drivers diagnosed with severe visual impairments.
He quoted the Director-General of BATMEDICS, Ojeje Onimisi, as describing the gesture as part of the group’s commitment to enhancing road safety and boosting community health.
Onimisi said the initiative was strategically designed to bridge the gap in essential healthcare access for professional drivers who occupy a critical position in the nation’s transport system.
“Regular health checks, including detailed eye examinations, must be institutionalised to ensure they are fit for the rigorous demands of their jobs.
“To ensure this exercise delivers lasting impact, BATMEDICS is not stopping at diagnostics; we are fully funding required medications and critical eye surgeries for beneficiaries to completely restore their vision,” he said.
Onimisi added that the initiative forms part of BATMEDICS’ broader healthcare interventions targeting specific demographic groups and communities whose livelihoods expose them to unique operational and health vulnerabilities.
He urged motorists to prioritise their well-being, warning against ignoring symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness and chronic eye strain.
Representing the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Special Duties and External Relations, Ibrahim Bazama, commended the partnership.
He described optimal vision as the most fundamental requirement for motorists to accurately interpret road signs, avoid pedestrians and navigate traffic hazards safely.
“This timely intervention by BATMEDICS acts as a critical preventative measure, identifying potential visual risks before they translate into catastrophic road crashes,” he remarked.
The beneficiaries, while appreciating the gesture, expressed relief at accessing high-cost ophthalmic services free of charge.
They appreciated Seyi Tinubu, the sponsor of the initiative, for his unwavering support and for bringing life-changing healthcare directly to their doorstep.
The drivers described the gesture as a profound intervention for commercial drivers who frequently prioritise daily economic survival over routine medical evaluations.
