For many Nigerians, clear vision is easy to take for granted until blurred sight begins to disrupt everyday life.
Reading a text message, recognising a familiar face, driving safely, or carrying out simple household tasks can become difficult when eye problems go untreated.
Yet thousands continue to live with avoidable visual impairment because routine eye care remains unaffordable or inaccessible.
In response, two aspiring medical students, Joy Ogunsan and Soleeha Musa-Etiko, are using their female-led healthcare initiative, MediServe, to bring eye care directly to underserved communities.
Their latest outreach was held at MeCure HealthCare Limited, Oshodi, Lagos, where commercial drivers, traders, elderly residents, teenagers, and other members of the public gathered for free eye screening and follow-up care.
The programme concluded an earlier screening exercise during which about 60 residents received comprehensive eye examinations conducted by eye-care professionals.
Following clinical assessments, 14 beneficiaries with the most urgent visual needs were selected to receive custom-made prescription glasses produced specifically for their diagnoses.
According to Musa-Etiko, the initiative was designed to do more than distribute spectacles.
“We realised that many Nigerians quietly struggle with eye problems without seeking help until the situation becomes severe.
Some beneficiaries told us they can now see clearly again, while others said the persistent itching they experienced has reduced. Seeing that transformation is the greatest reward for us,” she said.
She explained that Oshodi was chosen for the pilot outreach because it provides access to commercial drivers, commuters, elderly citizens, and other residents who may have limited access to routine eye care.
Ogunsan said eye health became MediServe’s first area of intervention after the founders observed the growing number of people living with preventable visual problems.
“We have seen many elderly people struggling with poor vision, and we have also encountered cases of glaucoma and other eye diseases that often go unnoticed until they become serious.
We wanted to contribute our quota by making eye care accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it,” she said.
Despite preparing for university, the co-founders said they balanced their academic responsibilities with fundraising, partnership development, and community mobilisation to sustain the project.
They credited family members, friends, sponsors, and healthcare partners for supporting the initiative.
MeCure Eye Centre, a partner on the project, said the outreach differed from many community eye programmes because each beneficiary received glasses prescribed after a thorough clinical evaluation.
Dr. Comfort Ikedieze Isaac, Chief Optometrist at MeCure Eye Centre, said the lenses were individually prepared for both distance and near vision.
“Many people attend eye outreaches expecting ready-made glasses, but these prescriptions were specifically designed for each beneficiary after careful examination,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of routine eye examinations, noting that conditions such as glaucoma often progress silently before symptoms become obvious.
For beneficiaries, the impact was immediate.
Mr. Kelechi Okwuosa, who received prescription glasses for the first time, described the experience as life-changing.
“I used to struggle with blurred vision whenever I wanted to read. Now I can read comfortably, even on my phone. Everything is much clearer,” he said.
Mrs. Olarenwaju Funmilayo also expressed gratitude after years of struggling with blurry vision.
“I can now see clearly. These young ladies have helped many people in our community. I pray God continues to bless them,” she said.
A 14-year-old beneficiary, Muiz Balogun, said the persistent itching that had troubled his eyes had significantly reduced after receiving his glasses.
Looking ahead, Ogunsan and Musa-Etiko said they hope to develop MediServe into a fully established non-profit healthcare organisation serving underserved communities across Nigeria.
Their long-term plans include expanding into other areas of healthcare, building a volunteer network, and eventually establishing a hospital dedicated to accessible and equitable care.
Other dignitaries present at the distribution included Dr. Ajoke Ogunsan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Executive Hotel and Suites; Dr. Sunday Alabi, Consultant Ophthalmologist at MeCure; and Mrs. Gloria Odok, Nurse Manager at MeCure, among others.
