A wave of hope is sweeping across communities in Africa and Asia as the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) marks a major milestone in its humanitarian mission. Through Loveworld Medicaid, one of its member agencies, more than 18,000 individuals with eye challenges have received free treatment, including screenings, medications, corrective surgeries, and prescription glasses, all at no cost.
This landmark achievement comes as the initiative celebrates one year of the Vision 10,000 Free Eye Surgery Project, launched in May 2024. Designed for indigent families and underserved regions, the program is transforming lives one restored vision at a time.
Speaking at a press briefing commemorating World Sight Day, the Assistant Director of Loveworld Medicaid, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, described the initiative as a “bold step toward eliminating avoidable blindness” and a clear expression of COFI’s commitment to giving hope and healing to vulnerable populations.
A Mission Driven by Compassion and Vision
At the heart of COFI’s humanitarian philosophy is a simple but powerful conviction: every life matters. Founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the foundation is dedicated to providing support to children, families, and communities through healthcare, education, housing, and relief initiatives.
Loveworld Medicaid embodies this vision through accessible medical treatment for communities often forgotten by traditional healthcare systems.
“Every restored sight is a story of hope rekindled,” Dr. Ola-Akisanya said. “We have seen children who once struggled in school finally able to read clearly. We have seen mothers and fathers regain independence. These stories reflect the initiative’s ripple effect.”
One Year of Impact: Restoring Sight, Changing Lives
In just 12 months, the results have been extraordinary:
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725 free corrective eye surgeries successfully completed
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8,069 individuals provided with essential eye medications
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8,507 prescription glasses distributed
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Thousands of diagnostic screenings and consultations in underserved communities
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Over 18,000 beneficiaries reached in total
These interventions took place across numerous regions and cities — Olusosun, Ibeju-Lekki, Isolo, Abule-Egba, Waru, Isheri, Warri, Tombia Kingdom, Oko, Erediauwa, and even Mumbai, India.
Many of the beneficiaries traveled long distances, sometimes across states, in search of relief they could not otherwise afford.
The vision clinics have become beacons of hope. Women, men, and children who lived for years in darkness or blurred vision are seeing the world again because someone cared enough to make treatment accessible.
A Lifeline for a Nation in Need
The need for such interventions is urgent. Globally, 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, while in Nigeria alone, more than 24 million individuals suffer from varying degrees of visual impairment — 1.3 million of whom are completely blind.
The Vision 10,000 initiative was created to confront this crisis head-on.
“Blindness is not always caused by cataract,” said Mr. Emeka Eze, Clinical Director at Loveworld Medical Centre. “Sometimes it’s infections in riverine communities, sometimes trauma. But many of these causes are treatable — people just can’t afford the care.”
He emphasized that COFI’s intervention “goes beyond surgeries; it is about access to care.”
Stories of Transformation
Nothing captures the heart of the initiative better than the testimonies of those whose sight has been restored.
Elizabeth Solomon, blind for a decade, regained her vision after surgery sponsored by Loveworld Medicaid.
“I can now engage with my children and live without fear,” she said. “I am grateful to Loveworld Medicaid and the sponsors.”
Others, including Emmanuel Nwachukwu, shared how years of financial struggle and progressive blindness ended the moment they encountered the free surgery program.
“The condition was draining my finances,” Emmanuel said. “Today, I can see again.”
These restored lives illustrate the profound impact of COFI’s work — not only medically but emotionally, socially, and economically.
A Foundation Working Across Nations
A representative of COFI’s Humanitarian Affairs and Diplomacy Department, Mr. Bismark Akintoye, reaffirmed the foundation’s mission:
“Through collaborative efforts like this, we are extending the frontiers of humanitarian impact across nations — not only through healthcare, but also through education, empowerment, and sustainable community development.”
He explained that COFI is committed to expanding the Vision 10,000 initiative to reach even more communities in the coming months.
Why COFI Continues to Lead in Humanitarian Service
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s foundation stands out for its long-term vision. COFI doesn’t focus on one-off acts of charity; instead, it invests in sustainable systems that restore dignity and transform futures.
Through structures like:
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InnerCity Mission for Children
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Volunteer Medical Corps
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Loveworld Medical Centre
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Loveworld Medicaid
COFI addresses critical challenges — from hunger and education gaps to emergency relief and medical needs.
The Vision 10,000 Free Eye Surgeries Initiative is one of many examples of how COFI brings light into the darkest corners of society.
A Call to Partnership and Continued Impact
As the program enters its next phase, Loveworld Medicaid is calling for continued support from individuals, churches, and corporate bodies to help reach the initiative’s target of 10,000 surgeries and expand to more communities.
For many suffering from vision impairment, a single surgery could mean returning to work, seeing their children’s faces, or reading again for the first time in years.
COFI stands ready to do more — and with the support of partners, volunteers, and the global LoveWorld family, the impact will continue to grow.
Every restored eye is a restored destiny.
Every healed vision is a healed future.
And through COFI, thousands more will see the world again.
