Limited access to affordable eye care continues to leave many Nigerians living with preventable visual impairment, prompting a youth-led initiative to provide free eye screenings and prescription glasses for vulnerable residents.
Through MediServe, aspiring medical students Joy Ogunsan and Soleeha Musa-Etiko organised a free eye care outreach at MeCure HealthCare Limited, Oshodi, where about 60 residents, including commercial drivers, traders and elderly citizens, received comprehensive eye examinations. Following the screenings, 14 beneficiaries with urgent visual needs were provided with customised medicated glasses.
Speaking during the programme, MediServe Founder, Soleeha Musa-Etiko, said the initiative was inspired by the growing number of Nigerians unable to access quality eye care.
“We realised many people silently struggle with eye problems until the situation becomes severe. Seeing beneficiaries regain clear vision has been our greatest reward,” she said.
Her co-founder, Joy Ogunsan, noted that the project seeks to improve access to eye care, particularly for people who cannot afford treatment.
Chief Optometrist at MeCure Eye Centre, Dr. Comfort Ikedieze Isaac, said each pair of glasses was specially prescribed after thorough clinical examinations, stressing that routine eye checks are vital for the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma.
Beneficiaries described the intervention as life-changing. Mr. Kelechi Okwuosa said he can now read comfortably after receiving his prescription glasses, while Mrs. Olarenwaju Funmilayo expressed gratitude for regaining clear vision.
The founders said they hope to expand MediServe into a non-profit organisation providing healthcare services to underserved communities across Nigeria.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Managing Director of Executive Hotel and Suites, Dr. Ajoke Ogunsan; Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Sunday Alabi; and Nurse Manager, Mrs. Gloria Odok.