Across Africa and Asia, Loveworld Medicaid’s “V.I.S.I.O.N. 10,000 Free Eye Surgeries Initiative” has restored sight and hope, reaching 18,000 people in underprivileged communities.
At a press briefing in Lagos, Dr. Olajumoke Ola‑Akisanya, Assistant Director of Loveworld Medicaid, called the program a “bold step toward ensuring that no one is left in the dark because they cannot afford care.”
Launched in May 2024 under the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), the drive has already completed more than 725 corrective eye surgeries, distributed 8,507 prescription glasses, and supplied 8,069 individuals with vital eye medications.
Dr. Ola‑Akisanya emphasized the ripple effects of restored vision: children returning to school, professionals regaining careers, and families reunited by clarity. The program has impacted communities across Lagos, Delta, Edo, Ogun, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory, and even reached Mumbai in India. Many beneficiaries traveled long distances to receive these services because of limited access to affordable eye care in their regions.
She underscored the urgent need to scale the vision initiative, urging corporate bodies, healthcare professionals, and individuals to partner with Loveworld Medicaid. Citing global and national data, Dr. Ola‑Akisanya noted that over 1.1 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision loss, while 24 million Nigerians suffer various degrees of visual impairment — 1.3 million of whom are completely blind. Yet, she reminded, up to 80 percent of these cases are preventable or treatable.
Credit was given to Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, President of Loveworld Incorporated, for providing the vision and drive behind the campaign, and to Dr. Deola Phillips, Chairman of Loveworld Medicaid, for her strategic leadership.
Among the many personal stories, John Omowonuola, who lost vision in one eye for three decades, described his surgery as “pampered.” Others, like 13‑year‑old Favour and analysts like Adekunle, saw renewed hope and opportunity upon regaining sight.
“These are not statistics; they are stories of human triumph,” Dr. Ola‑Akisanya said. “When you invest in sight, you are not just changing one life, you are impacting generations.”
