Nigeria’s battle against preventable blindness and limited access to specialized eye care received a significant boost with the inauguration of Skipper Eye-Q Super Specialty Eye Hospitals’ fourth center in Gwarimpa, Abuja. This event also marked the launch of a new mobile eye clinic aimed at reaching underserved rural populations.
The unveiling, which drew health experts, professional bodies, and members of the diplomatic community, represents more than just the growth of a private healthcare provider; it addresses the urgent need for improved eye health services across the nation.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that over one million Nigerians suffer from blindness, with approximately 80% of these cases being preventable through timely medical care.
Dr. Temitope Tijani, the first Nigerian ophthalmologist to join Skipper Eye-Q nine years ago, views this achievement as both a personal milestone and a reflection of progress within the eye care sector.
She recounted initial doubts but emphasized that the collaboration has fostered skill development, boosted confidence, and created opportunities for Nigerian eye care professionals.
“Currently, we have four specialized ophthalmologists providing top-tier eye care. Patients travel from all over Nigeria for treatment. The vision of performing advanced surgeries locally, eliminating the need for patients to seek care abroad, is becoming a reality,” she explained.
The hospital’s growth highlights the critical role private sector investment plays in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure deficiencies.
Representing the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Okafor Igbo noted that the hospital has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to emphasize local expertise and professional development.
Soumya Goel, the mobile clinic’s chief project manager and business head, shared in an exclusive interview, “Our mobile clinic is designed to reach populations that are otherwise inaccessible. It effectively narrows the gap in eye care services across Nigeria, enabling us to serve many rural communities.”
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) supports this initiative. Its president, Dr. Chimezirim Anderson, stressed the importance of extending eye care services to rural areas, where untreated conditions frequently result in preventable blindness.
Rajat Goel, co-founder and CEO of Skipper Eye-Q, added, “This mobile clinic fills a critical void. Since its launch earlier this year, it has screened nearly 3,000 individuals, distributed 3,000 complimentary eyeglasses, and provided care to security personnel, government workers, and rural residents.”
In his address, Dr. Ajay Sharma, CMD and founder, stated, “Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2016, Skipper Eye-Q has expanded to four locations across Lagos and Abuja. While we plan further growth in Nigeria and West Africa, our core mission remains focused on compassionate care rather than profit.”
