The Eye Foundation Community Hospital’s Vision Centre Programme: A Strategic Intervention Against Avoidable Blindness

For nearly two decades, Eye Foundation Community Hospital (EFCH), the not-for-profit arm of Eye Foundation Hospital, has been at the forefront of combating preventable blindness in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2006, EFCH has worked tirelessly to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable eye care services to underserved communities.

A Legacy of Impact

Through various outreach programs and community interventions, EFCH has:

• Provided subsidized or free eye care services to over 2 million underprivileged individuals.
• Performed more than 250,000 cataract surgeries.
• Dispensed over 200,000 prescription glasses, including reading glasses.

Recognizing the need for a structured, scalable approach, these outreach programs were consolidated under the Vision Centre Programme in August 2020. This transition improved coordination, expanded reach, and enhanced patient follow-up, strengthening EFCH’s mission to eliminate avoidable blindness.

The Vision Behind the Programme

Nigeria faces a significant burden of preventable blindness, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations. The Vision Centre Programme was designed to bridge gaps in eye care by:

• Establishing Vision Centres and Primary Eye Care Centres (PECCs) to bring essential eye care services closer to communities.
• Conducting large-scale eye screening camps to ensure early detection and treatment.
• Providing highly subsidized cataract and pterygium surgeries to restore sight.
• Partnering with local and international organizations to sustain and expand the programme’s impact.

Programme Achievements & Impact

Since its official launch in August 2020, the Vision Centre Programme has made a remarkable impact:

• 821+ large-scale outreach programs conducted across Nigeria.
• 133,469+ individuals screened for various eye conditions.
• 42,677+ prescription glasses provided to improve vision.
• 27,140+ essential medications distributed.
• 8,618+ cataract and pterygium surgeries performed, restoring sight and improving lives.

These interventions have been carried out in multiple locations, with surgeries conducted at EFCH branches in Lagos (Deseret Eye Centre), Ota, Ijebu (Ogun State), and Gwarinpa (Abuja) Nigeria.

Expanding Access Through Vision Centres & PECCs

To further enhance access to eye care, EFCH has expanded its footprint by establishing new Vision Centres and Primary Eye Care Centres (PECCs) in key locations:

• Sagamu (established 2021).
• Agege (established 2022)
• Gwarinpa (established 2022)
• Abeokuta (established 2022)
• Ota (established 2024)

These centres serve as critical access points for primary eye care, ensuring patients receive timely treatment without traveling long distances to tertiary hospitals.

Continuity of Care: The Role of PECCs

PECCs play a crucial role in strengthening continuity of care by:

• Providing primary eye care, including screenings, disease management, and basic treatments.
• Reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals by managing fewer complex cases locally.
• Acting as referral hubs for advanced surgical interventions.
• Offering potential for growth and expansion: if patient volumes are high, these centres can integrate surgical units or transition into secondary hospitals, as seen in Ota.

Strategic Partnerships Strengthening the Programme

A core strength of the Vision Centre Programme lies in its strong network of partners with individual and organisations, who provide funding.

Some of our International Partners:

• Relief for Human Suffering Foundation
• Charity Vision
• LDS Charities

Some of our Local Partners:

• Eye Foundation Hospital
• House of Ire-Oluwa
• Gateway Front Foundation
• Daramola Dynasty
• Rotary District 911

Through free screening camps and strategic collaborations, the programme has expanded its reach across Western, Southern, and Northern Nigeria, demonstrating a national commitment to eliminating preventable blindness.

Challenges & Opportunities for Growth

Despite its successes, the Vision Centre Programme faces several challenges:

• The economic impact of COVID-19 initially hindered outreach expansion.
• Sustaining funding remains critical for continued outreach and surgical interventions.
• Reaching rural and hard-to-access communities poses logistical difficulties.
• Scaling trained eye care professionals is essential to meet growing demand.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth. By expanding the number of Vision Centres and PECCs, EFCH can develop a more sustainable eye care model, ensuring that even remote communities receive quality services.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Eye Care in Nigeria

To build on its achievements, the Vision Centre Programme aims to:

• Establish additional Vision Centres and PECCs in underserved areas.
• Improve patient follow-up mechanisms to enhance care continuity.
• Increase the frequency and coverage of mobile screening camps.
• Expand surgical capacities in select PECCs, allowing them to evolve into secondary hospitals, like Ota.
• Strengthen funding strategies for long-term sustainability.
• Intensify advocacy and awareness initiatives to educate communities on eye health.

By continuing to innovate, collaborate, and expand, the programme is well-positioned to reshape Nigeria’s eye care landscape, helping more people regain their sight and live healthier lives.

Conclusion

The Vision Centre Programme is a game-changer in eye health delivery in Nigeria. It provides life-changing interventions, sustainable outreach, and high-impact partnerships; standing as a beacon of hope for millions at risk of preventable blindness.

Through ongoing collaboration, investment, and innovation, EFCH remains committed to ensuring every Nigerian has access to quality eye care, regardless of their financial status or location.