Vision Without Borders tackle visual impairments in Makoko

As part of efforts aimed at reducing widespread eye diseases and visual impairments, members of Vision Without Border, led by co-founders Amarachi Esonwune and Babatunde Bale, recently completed a groundbreaking project, by providing essential eye to the underserved residents of Makoko, Lagos.

Tagged the R.E.T.I.N.A Initiative, this first-ever eye care intervention in Makoko has been a life-changing experience for hundreds of residents who have long lacked access to even basic healthcare services.

The Vision Without Borders project grew from Esonwune and Bale’s dedication to reducing the widespread eye diseases and visual impairments impacting underserved communities.

Together with other committed young leaders, they created the project to empower lives with clear vision.

The initiative embodies more than five years of work addressing crucial health challenges in marginalized areas of like Makoko, and demonstrates ongoing commitment to making a tangible difference in peoples’ lives through eye care.

According to the World Vision Report by the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.2 billion people globally live with vision impairment or blindness, and nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or

Makoko, a low income area faces disproportionate rates of preventable eye conditions due to limited access to healthcare resources.

In the first phase of the two-phase project, Vision Without Borders reached over 400 individuals in October 2024, providing comprehensive visual screenings, eye health education, and, where necessary, corrective measures such as eyeglasses, medications, and identified those that needed surgical intervention for conditions like cataract and pterygium.

The joy and relief among the residents were unexplainable, as many received vision services for the first time in their lives.

One of the beneficiaries, Christiana Babapinton, an elderly woman who had been struggling with cataract for years, expressed heartfelt gratitude.

To her, “for years, my vision has been fading, making daily life a struggle. I am so grateful to be chosen for the cataract surgery. Vision Without Borders has given me hope that I will soon see clearly again and be able to care for my family without difficulty. I can’t wait for this new beginning.”

Another resident, Edeio Isido, a young fisherman who had suffered from untreated refractive error (presbyopia), shared his experience, “I can clearly see tiny letters now for the first time in years. I am so grateful for this project—it will make a real difference in my work and my life.”

The transformative project was made possible through partnerships with multiple organizations dedicated to public health and community well-being, including the Public Interest Registry, Vision Spring, Ola Oluwa Eye Clinic, General Hospital Mushin, Healing Hands Health Society, Purple Abilities Foundation, UNILODGE Foundation, Lagos State University Sickle Cell Society, Makoko Foundation School, Women in DeFi, Majesty Exchange, and Millennium Fellowship.

The organizations generously contributed resources, expertise, and support, enabling Vision Without Borders to reach a population in dire need of care. They also acknowledged the volunteers and team members that participated in the project.

The founders of The R.E.T.I.N.A added:
“This initiative is about more than eye care; it’s about restoring dignity and opportunity to an underserved population,” said Esonwune.

To Bale, “Vision Without Borders has highlighted the urgent need for accessible healthcare in underserved communities. We are incredibly grateful to our partners for whelping make this vision a reality, and we look forward to extending this impact even further.”

Through Vision Without Borders, The R.E.T.I.N.A Initiative has shed light on critical importance of eye health in fostering well-being, economic productivity, and improved quality of life.

For the residents of Makoko, the project has restored not only their sight but their hope for a brighter future.