Community Health Initiative Brings Free Eye Screening to Underserved Lagos Residents
At least 150 residents, predominantly elderly individuals and other underserved community members, received comprehensive eye health screenings at a free outreach event organised by the Advancing Youth Voice Initiative (AYVI) in collaboration with healthcare partners and local organisations in Lagos.
The screening exercise took place on 7 February 2026 at the Children’s Park estate and formed part of AYVI’s broader mission to promote community well‑being while empowering young leaders through digital training, leadership development, and service initiatives.
According to Caroline Nwoko, Founder of AYVI, the decision to organise the free eye screening was both a personal and community‑driven response to the limited access to quality eye care in the area. “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 check‑up,” she said, emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare for all.
Nwoko also shared her own experience with delayed vision care, noting that her personal journey illustrated the need for increased awareness and preventive eye health services within local communities. Many beneficiaries reported that they had not undergone eye examinations in years, with some children experiencing difficulty in school due to undiagnosed vision issues and families faced with difficult choices between healthcare and basic needs.
The free screening included vision tests, glaucoma pressure checks, consultations, personalised treatment recommendations, and health education materials, all delivered by licensed optometrists with modern diagnostic equipment at no cost to participants.
“We realised that healthcare is not a luxury, it is a right,” Nwoko added, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to improving access to essential health services for vulnerable populations.
The outreach reflects a growing focus by community organisations and health stakeholders on preventive care and early detection of eye conditions, which can significantly improve quality of life and prevent avoidable vision loss among underserved residents.
About Advancing Youth Voice Initiative (AYVI)
The Advancing Youth Voice Initiative is a Lagos‑based nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through digital literacy, leadership development, and community service projects that address pressing social and health challenges in local communities.
