By Elizabeth Osayande

Lagos, Nigeria – The R.E.T.I.N.A Initiative, co-founded by Amarachi Esonwune and Babatunde Bale, led a passionate team to launch Vision Without Borders, an innovative project aimed at providing essential eye care to the underserved community of Makoko in Lagos.

This initiative marked the first-ever eye care intervention in the vibrant but impoverished community, bringing life-changing services to hundreds who have long been without basic healthcare.

The Vision Without Borders project emerged from a strong commitment to combating the high rates of eye diseases and visual impairments in marginalised areas. With the support of other dedicated young leaders, the initiative aimed to empower individuals through improved vision. “This initiative is about more than eye care; it’s about restoring dignity and opportunity to an underserved population,” Esonwune stated.

“By providing these essential services, we hope to empower the people of Makoko to lead healthier, more productive lives,” added Bale.

According to a World Health Organisation report, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with vision impairment or blindness, with nearly half of the cases being preventable. In low-income communities like Makoko, where the ethnic Egun minority resides, access to healthcare resources is alarmingly limited, resulting in disproportionate rates of preventable eye conditions.

During the first phase of the project, held on October 25th and 26th, over 400 residents underwent comprehensive visual screenings, received eye health education, and were provided with corrective measures, such as eyeglasses and medications. Many also received referrals for surgical interventions for conditions like cataracts and pterygium.

The impact of this initiative was evident through the joy among the residents. Mrs. Christiana Babapinton, an elderly woman who struggled with cataracts for years, expressed her gratitude: “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 soon I will see again and be able to care for my family without difficulty. I can’t wait for this new beginning.”

Another beneficiary, young fisherman Mr. Edeio Isido, shared his profound experience: “I can 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 organisers of Vision Without Borders thank all the volunteers and team members of R.E.T.I.N.A that participated in the project. This is why they noted that the success of the project was bolstered by partnerships with several organisations, 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, who contributed resources, expertise, and support.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners for helping make this vision a reality,” said Bale. “Vision Without Borders has highlighted the urgent need for accessible healthcare in underserved communities.”