At least 150 residents, mostly elderly people, have benefited from a free comprehensive eye screening exercise organised by the Advancing Youth Voice Initiative (AYVI) in partnership with healthcare providers and community organisations in Lagos.
Founder of AYVI, Caroline Nwoko, said the outreach was part of the organisation’s broader mission to empower young people through digital training, leadership development and community service, while also responding directly to pressing needs within local communities.
Nwoko explained that the decision to organise the free eye screening was deeply personal, noting that although she had led similar interventions across Nigeria, she had not previously organised one within her own community. “I live here, so I decided to give my community a gift, a New Year present for those who cannot afford a world-class medical checkup,” she said.
She also shared her personal experience, which inspired the focus on eye health. According to her, she unknowingly used the wrong eye medication and prescription glasses for two years. It was only after visiting Skipper Eye-Q Specialist Eye Hospital after suffering an infection caused by eyeliner that the error was discovered.
Nwoko stressed that young people are not only leaders of the future but active problem solvers capable of driving change in their communities today. She said AYVI listened to residents’ concerns before designing the intervention, revealing that many people had not undergone eye examinations in years. She added that some children struggled in school because of poor vision, while some families had to choose between buying food and paying for medical care.
“We realised there is something we can change and something we must change. Healthcare is not a luxury, it is a right,” she said.
The screening exercise, held at the Children’s Park within the estate, offered comprehensive eye health checks conducted by licensed optometrists using modern diagnostic equipment. Services included vision tests, pressure checks for glaucoma detection, consultations, personalised treatment recommendations and health education materials, all at no cost to beneficiaries.
Nwoko noted that the initiative was made possible through partnerships with medical institutions, corporate sponsors and community groups, describing the exercise as a demonstration of what collaborative community service can achieve.
She specifically commended Skipper Eye-Q Specialist Eye Hospital for deploying medical personnel, equipment and educational materials as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The hospital has treated over one million patients across multiple locations in Nigeria and India. Nwoko said the eye screening programme is only the beginning of AYVI’s long-term engagement plan for the community, adding that more health, education and empowerment programmes are being planned.
She urged residents to participate actively in future initiatives and provide feedback to help improve service delivery, expressing optimism that the community could serve as a model for collaborative health-focused development. She added that the initiative reflects what is possible when youth-led organisations work closely with institutions, professionals and community stakeholders to address critical social needs.
Chairman of the Dolphin Estate Association, Tony Olushoga, said the project was timely given current economic realities, noting that many vulnerable residents cannot afford routine medical checks. He stressed that vision is critical to overall human functioning and quality of life. “Due to economic realities, there are vulnerable people who cannot afford medical bills, so it was important to bring such services to the community. We are glad we could bring the services closer to the people,” he said.
President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Claire Omatseye, urged residents to take the screening seriously and seek medical advice when necessary. She said Rotary partnered with AYVI because of its commitment to disease prevention, treatment and community service. “Today, partnering with AYVI and Skipper Eye-Q, we are able to bring access to quality eye care to the community. People don’t realise how important it is to screen and have consultations with their doctors. This step is also to encourage people to take their healthcare seriously,” she said.
Also speaking, Marketing Executive of Skipper Eye-Q Specialist Eye Hospital, Mathew Adekeye, said the hospital remain committed to promoting an eye disease-free Nigeria through preventive care and early detection of conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. He advised residents to undertake regular medical checks even when no symptoms are present, especially as they grow older, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of potential health issues.
