The General Manager of Skipper Eye-Q Eye Hospital, Dr. Ajay Chaudhary, has said the hospital is helping to reduce medical tourism from Nigeria by providing world-class eye care services locally, saving the country millions of dollars annually while expanding access to quality treatment across West Africa.
Speaking in an interview during a free eye screening programme organized for members of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) at the High Commission of India in Abuja, Dr. Chaudhary said Skipper Eye-Q has established seven eye hospitals across Nigeria, offering state-of-the-art ophthalmic services comparable to those available in leading medical destinations such as India and Turkey.
According to him, the hospital receives patients not only from Nigeria but also from neighbouring countries including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Algeria, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for medical tourism in West Africa.
“Many Nigerians previously travelled abroad for eye treatment. Today, we are providing the same quality of care here in Nigeria. Last year alone, we helped save nearly $100 million that would have been spent on eye care outside the country,” he said.
Dr. Chaudhary noted that beyond clinical services, the hospital regularly conducts community outreach programmes, including free eye screenings, distribution of medications and provision of corrective glasses to underserved populations.
He explained that the media outreach programme aligns with the hospital’s policy of supporting professionals who make significant contributions to society.
“We focus on media practitioners, healthcare workers, NGOs and other professionals who create positive impact in society. Such individuals can visit any of our hospitals with valid identification and receive free eye screening services,” he said.
As part of the initiative, DICAN members and other participating journalists will also receive free reading glasses where medically required following examination.
The hospital executive disclosed that the offer is available indefinitely and can be accessed at any of the hospital’s seven branches across Nigeria, including facilities in Abuja and Lagos.
“Journalists spend long hours reading and working on screens. That is why we have decided to provide reading glasses free of charge for those who need them after screening,” he explained.
On the quality of services offered by the hospital, Dr. Chaudhary said the institution has earned the confidence of high-profile Nigerians, including senior government officials, business leaders and other prominent individuals.
“Many dignitaries, top CEOs, directors of major companies and government officials now receive treatment in Nigeria because they trust the quality of care available here. It is not because they cannot travel abroad, but because they receive the same standard of treatment locally,” he said.
Reflecting on his six years in Nigeria, Dr. Chaudhary expressed optimism about the future of eye care in the country, citing growing investments in healthcare infrastructure, improved access to modern equipment and enhanced training for medical professionals.
He warned that Nigeria could face increasing cases of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other age-related eye conditions in the coming decade as life expectancy improves and the population ages.
“These are largely preventable and treatable conditions if detected early. What is encouraging is that Nigeria is already investing in healthcare infrastructure and preparing for future healthcare demands,” he said.
According to him, significant progress has been recorded in the healthcare sector over the past six years, with new hospitals, advanced medical technologies and greater foreign direct investment helping to strengthen service delivery.
On recommendations for government, Dr. Chaudhary commended ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, noting that a healthy population remains the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“Governments across the world understand that healthy citizens contribute more effectively to national development. Nigeria has a young population, and investing in healthcare today will help secure a healthier and more prosperous future for the country,” he said.
He reiterated that the hospital’s overarching mission is to eradicate avoidable blindness regardless of religion, nationality, gender or social status.
“Our goal is simple: to eliminate blindness and protect vision. Healthcare does not discriminate, and neither do we. We care only about improving the health and eyesight of the people we serve,” he added.