October 10, (THEWILL) — No fewer than 18,000 people with various eye conditions have benefited from free treatments and improved vision through the Vision 10,000 Free Eye Surgeries Initiative of Loveworld Medicaid, an agency under the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI).
The Assistant Director of Loveworld Medicaid, Dr Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos to commemorate World Sight Day and to mark the first anniversary of the initiative.
Ola-Akisanya said the programme, which began in May 2024, was designed to reach indigent and underserved communities with free eye care services, including screenings, surgeries, medical check-ups, and eyeglasses.
According to her, the initiative has restored sight and improved the quality of life for thousands across Africa and Asia, providing access to treatment for people who would otherwise remain in darkness.
“So far, 725 corrective eye surgeries have been successfully conducted, 8,507 prescription glasses dispensed, and 8,069 individuals provided with essential medications”, she said, adding that thousands of diagnostic screenings and consultations were carried out in communities such as Olusosun, Ibeju-Lekki, Isolo, Abule-Egba, Waru, Isheri, Tombia Kingdom, Oko, Erediauwa, Warri, and even Mumbai, India.
Many beneficiaries, she noted, travelled long distances to access the interventions because of the burden of their illnesses and the high cost of private eye care services.
Describing the Vision 10,000 initiative as a bold step toward eliminating avoidable blindness, Ola-Akisanya said it aims to ensure that no one is denied sight due to lack of access to medical care.
Noting that visual impairment remains a major global health challenge, with 1.1 billion people worldwide living with vision loss. In Nigeria, Ola-Akisanya said more than 24 million people suffer from varying degrees of visual impairment, including 1.3 million who are completely blind.
“Every restored sight is a story of hope rekindled. We have seen the joy of children who once struggled in school finally able to read clearly. These stories reflect the initiative’s ripple effect: improved health outcomes and increased accessibility to life-changing care”, she said.
Ola-Akisanya expressed appreciation to Chris Oyakhilome Foundation and other partners for their continued support and commitment to the project.
Also speaking, Mr Emeka Eze, Clinical Director at Loveworld Medical Centre, described the initiative as “touching and transformative”, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to assist those unable to afford healthcare.
“The point is some people cannot afford even simple interventions. Loveworld Medicaid’s intervention goes beyond surgeries; it is about access to care. Many people cannot access care, even when it is available. Blindness is not always caused by cataracts; sometimes it is due to infections, such as by worms in riverine areas of Nigeria. It could also be trauma, but many causes are treatable”, he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Solomon, who had been blind for a decade, shared her joy after undergoing surgery through the programme.
“I can now see and engage with my children without fear. I’m deeply grateful to Loveworld Medicaid and its sponsors.” — Elizabeth Solomon, Beneficiary
The Loveworld Medicaid Vision 10,000 Free Eye Surgeries Initiative continues to expand its reach, restoring sight and hope to thousands across borders. The project reaffirms COFI’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and promoting humanitarian service globally.
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