Abayomi Susan
For millions of Nigerians, the ability to see clearly is often taken for granted until deteriorating vision begins to interfere with the simplest aspects of daily life. Reading a text message, recognizing familiar faces, driving safely, or carrying out routine tasks can become increasingly difficult when eye conditions remain untreated. Yet, for many people across the country, quality eye care remains a luxury they simply cannot afford.
Medical experts have consistently emphasized that several eye conditions, including glaucoma and refractive errors, can be effectively managed or prevented through early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, poverty, inadequate awareness, and limited access to routine eye examinations continue to expose countless Nigerians to avoidable visual impairment.
Determined to change this narrative, two young women are demonstrating that meaningful healthcare impact is not defined by age or professional qualifications but by compassion and the willingness to serve.
Through MediServe, a female-led healthcare initiative they established, aspiring medical students Joy Ogunsan and Soleeha Musa-Etiko are bringing quality eye care closer to underserved communities while inspiring a new generation of socially conscious healthcare professionals.
Their latest outreach took place at MeCure HealthCare Limited in Oshodi, one of Lagos’ busiest commercial districts, where commercial drivers, traders, elderly residents and young people gathered at the Debo Industries Compound to benefit from a free eye care programme.
The initiative concluded an earlier community eye screening exercise during which approximately 60 residents underwent comprehensive eye examinations conducted by professional eye care specialists. Following detailed clinical assessments, 14 beneficiaries with the most critical visual needs were selected to receive specially prescribed medicated glasses tailored to their individual diagnoses.
For the founders, however, the programme extended far beyond distributing prescription lenses.
Their objective was to restore confidence, improve safety, promote independence and enable beneficiaries to perform everyday activities without the limitations imposed by poor eyesight.
Speaking during the event, Founder of MediServe, Soleeha Musa-Etiko, explained that the initiative was inspired by the growing number of Nigerians silently living with untreated eye conditions.
“We realised that many Nigerians quietly struggle with eye problems without seeking help until the situation becomes severe. The testimonies have been deeply encouraging. Some beneficiaries told us they can now see clearly again, while others said the persistent itching they experienced has stopped. Seeing that transformation is the greatest reward for us.”
She noted that Oshodi was deliberately selected as the pilot location because of its large concentration of commercial drivers, commuters, elderly residents and other members of the public who often have limited access to routine eye care services.
Her co-founder, Joy Ogunsan, revealed that although MediServe was established with a broader healthcare vision, eye health became its first intervention after the team observed the increasing prevalence of preventable visual impairment among Nigerians.
“We’ve seen many elderly people struggling with poor vision, and we’ve also come across cases of glaucoma and other eye diseases that often go unnoticed until they become serious.
“We wanted to contribute our own quota by making eye care accessible to people who ordinarily may not be able to afford it.”
Despite still preparing for university admission, both young women have successfully balanced their academic commitments with fundraising, stakeholder engagement and community mobilisation to sustain the initiative.
They acknowledged that securing institutional support initially proved challenging but expressed appreciation to family members, friends, sponsors and healthcare partners whose encouragement helped transform their vision into reality.
Partnering with MediServe on the project, MeCure Eye Centre described the outreach as unique because every beneficiary received individually prescribed medicated glasses following comprehensive clinical evaluation rather than generic ready-made spectacles commonly distributed during similar programmes.
The Chief Optometrist, Dr. Comfort Ikedieze Isaac, explained that each prescription was carefully designed to meet the specific visual needs of every beneficiary.
“The glasses were individually prepared to serve 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 also stressed the importance of regular eye examinations, warning that sight-threatening diseases such as glaucoma often develop silently before noticeable symptoms emerge.
“Many patients only present when the disease has reached an advanced stage. Early detection remains the best way to preserve vision.”
For the beneficiaries, the intervention delivered immediate and life-changing results.
Receiving prescription glasses for the first time, Mr. Kelechi Okwuosa described the experience as transformative.
“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.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olarenwaju Funmilayo, expressed heartfelt appreciation after enduring years of blurry vision.
“I can now see clearly. These young ladies have helped many people in our community. I pray God continues to bless them.”
Fourteen-year-old Muiz Balogun also reported significant improvement, revealing that the persistent itching in his eyes had greatly reduced after receiving his prescription glasses.
Beyond providing medicated lenses, the outreach served as a powerful reminder that impactful healthcare interventions do not always require massive budgets or sophisticated infrastructure. Sometimes, meaningful change begins with a simple decision by compassionate individuals to respond to the needs around them.
Looking ahead, Joy Ogunsan and Soleeha Musa-Etiko hope to develop MediServe into a fully established non-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare across underserved communities in Nigeria.
Their long-term vision includes broadening the initiative’s healthcare interventions, building a nationwide volunteer network and ultimately establishing a healthcare facility that reflects their commitment to accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare for all.
At a time when national conversations on healthcare largely revolve around infrastructure, funding and policy reforms, MediServe’s inspiring story underscores an enduring truth: compassion remains one of the most powerful instruments in medicine.
Among dignitaries present during the distribution of the free prescription glasses were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Executive Hotel and Suites, Dr. Ajoke Ogunsan; Consultant Ophthalmologist at MeCure, Dr. Sunday Alabi; and MeCure’s Nurse Manager, Mrs. Gloria Odok, alongside other distinguished guests.
