Location: NIGERIA
The Project
For too many people in rural communities, preventable vision problems go untreated, quietly eroding dignity and quality of life. The Rural Eye Care project, led by Esohe Angel Omoregie, was created to change that reality by bringing essential health services directly to underserved populations in Africa.
Over twelve months, a dedicated team of grassroots volunteers organized quarterly outreach campaigns, screening nearly 1,000 residents, distributing free glasses and medication, and educating families about how to protect their eyesight.
“We reached 902 individuals, enabling early detection and prevention of avoidable blindness,” shared Omoregie, reflecting on the project’s scope and its deeply human impact.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project’s micro-grant made this work possible. With dedicated funding, the team was able to purchase and distribute 750 prescription reading glasses and 250 units of critical medications such as glaucoma drops and antibiotics. They also secured outreach materials, rented diagnostic equipment, and supported volunteers with transportation so that no village would remain out of reach. Beyond the tangible resources, the grant provided validation for a grassroots initiative facing bureaucratic and financial barriers.
“This grant has been truly transformative. Thanks to The Pollination Project, we were able to deliver sight-saving care to individuals and families who would otherwise have continued to suffer in silence,” Omoregie explained.
This reflects the heart of heartivism: compassion translated into action that changes lives.
The Future
The success of this project is only the beginning. Building on the momentum, the team is preparing for a partnership to provide cataract surgeries to those diagnosed during screenings, while also working toward launching a mobile eye clinic to serve even more remote communities. Training local volunteers, acquiring permanent diagnostic equipment, and forging stronger collaborations with government agencies will ensure the project’s sustainability and expand its impact on community development.
As Omoregie puts it, “The impact of the Rural Eye Care project has been deeply felt in the community, and local leaders are now advocating for expansion to neighboring areas.”
By promoting equity in access to vision care, this women-led initiative embodies The Pollination Project’s global goals of improving health and human services for economically disadvantaged populations.
The impact has been deeply felt in the Iyana Ilogbo community, where the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the restored clarity in their vision, and local leaders are now advocating for an expansion of services to neighboring communities.
Esohe Angel Omoregie
Esohe Angel Omoregie is an ophthalmic nurse and passionate advocate for eye health with over three years of experience serving underserved rural communities in Nigeria. Inspired by a personal journey after witnessing her uncle lose his sight to glaucoma, she committed herself to preventing avoidable blindness. She has volunteered with organizations such as Eye Land of Vision Foundation, St. Teresa’s Specialist Eye and Laser Centre, and Anioma Medical Professional Forum, reaching more than 3,000 individuals with essential screenings and education.
As the founder of the Rural iCare campaign, Omoregie combines her clinical expertise with community leadership to expand access to vision care and empower people with knowledge to protect their sight.
Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.
