Impaired vision and creativity: VisionSpring to the rescue

By Damiete Braide

For years, the lack of access to proper eye care has been a silent impediment for countless artisans whose livelihoods depend on their ability to see and create. This challenge, however, is being addressed by VisionSpring, a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable eyewear and eye care services to those in need. Through its initiatives, VisionSpring is not only improving lives but also unlocking a world of creativity and possibility for Nigeria’s artistry community.

In a remarkable demonstration of their mission, VisionSpring partnered with Nike Art Gallery to host an art exhibition titled Artistry, Creativity, and Innovation for a Thriving Nigeria last week Friday. This exhibition celebrated the intersection of art and vision, bringing together some of the country’s most talented artists to showcase their work and raise awareness about the critical role that clear vision plays in the creative process.

Since 2016, VisionSpring organisation has been reaching out to low-income communities, providing eyeglasses to individuals who would otherwise have limited or no access to eye care. The results have been transformative, particularly within the art community, where clear vision is essential for the meticulous work that artists engage in.

Abimbola Ogundirahun, the country manager for VisionSpring Nigeria, emphasised the significance of this initiative. She pointed out that the ability to see clearly was fundamental for artists, especially those experiencing age-related vision decline, which could severely hinder their productivity. “For you to be able to perform art, for you to be able to draw, you need your eyes,” Ogundirahun said. “This is why we are creating awareness and advocacy today – so that we can have everybody work and partner with us to give people that need vision correction the correction they need.”

Through its See-to-Earn programme, VisionSpring focuses on supporting individuals in underserved communities, including artists, artisans, and farmers, who rely on their sight to earn a living. The programme has already made a significant impact, correcting the vision of more than 350,000 Nigerians, many of whom are now able to continue their work with renewed clarity and confidence.

The partnership with Nike Art Gallery has been particularly poignant. Nike Okundaye, the gallery’s director, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that many artists in her network are struggling with age-related vision loss. This condition has not only affected their ability to create but has also threatened their livelihoods. “When I met VisionSpring, I said, ‘You are our godsent, because a lot of our artists have lost their eyes’,” Okundaye shared, expressing her gratitude for the initiative.

During the exhibition, the importance of clear vision was brought to life through the works of 30 artists who focused on the theme of vision. One artist, Yusuf Adurodola, who also served as a curator for the exhibition, created a piece titled Vision on Mission, which emphasized the need for artists to pursue their creative visions with clarity and purpose. “You cannot do without clear vision, because you use the eyes to engage in a creative projection,” Adurodola explained.

Gabriel Ogunyemi, VisionSpring’s Africa regional director, said the partnership with Nike Art Gallery was part of a broader effort to address the issue of blurry vision in Nigeria. Looking ahead, VisionSpring is committed to deepening its impact in Nigeria and beyond. By raising awareness and forging partnerships with local organisations, the enterprise aims to ensure that every artist, artisan, and worker who depends on their vision for their craft has access to the care they need.

As Ogunyemi stated, “In six years’ time, we have corrected the vision of more than 350,000 Nigerians through eyeglasses. We are especially committed to Nigeria’s artisans and low-income workers who use their hands for detailed tasks.”

During the programme, Francis Jide, one of the artists  displayed his skills by drawing an artwork to the admiration of the audience.