Quietly spoken but clinically firm, Dr (Mrs) Cynthia Jideonwo represents a generation of health professionals who blend discipline, enterprise, and long-term vision, literally. An optometrist by training and an entrepreneur by instinct, her journey spans delayed graduations, foreign certification, private practice, and a decade of steady growth in an unforgiving health-business climate.
In this interview with Rita Oyiboka, Jideonwo opens up about her personal journey, professional choi
ces, myths, and mistakes we make in eye care and the realities of optometry in Nigeria.
Let’s start from the beginning. Who is Dr (Mrs) Cynthia Jideonwo?
I am originally from Imo State by state of origin, but by marriage, I am from Delta State, Aniocha North Local Government Area. I am married, I have a daughter, I am a Christian, and I am the last of six children. I am purpose-driven, I like to see results, and once I set my mind on something, I pursue it wholeheartedly. I am an optometrist.
Why Optometry of all professions?
I did not originally set out to study Optometry. I actually wanted to study Medicine. However, as is often the case in Nigeria, once you make your choice, JAMB can sometimes decide otherwise. I gained admission into the university to study Biochemistry, and I knew there was no way I was going to end up practising that course.
During my first year, I applied for a change of course. Medicine was very competitive at the time and largely depended on who you knew. Other options available then were Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Optometry. I felt drawn towards Optometry.
This was influenced by a childhood experience. When I was in primary school, a neighbour accidentally hit one of my eyes. After a few days, the pain became unbearable, and my sister took me to Central Hospital. At the time, I did not really know what to expect. My eyes were examined, and I remember seeing a box filled with various instruments, which fascinated me. I was told that we were lucky to have come early because the condition could have become very serious.
When it was time for me to make a career choice, I remembered that incident, how I was treated by the optometrist, and how fascinated I was by the instruments in the consulting room. That memory played a significant role in my decision to choose Optometry.
When did you start your Optometry programme?
I gained admission in 1999. It was meant to be a six-year programme, but due to strikes and other academic disruptions, including Student Union Government (SUG)-related issues at the time, we lost several semesters. We eventually graduated in 2008.
How was the transition after graduation, especially before starting your own clinic?
After graduating, I completed the mandatory one-year internship. After that, I carried out my one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Subsequently, I travelled out of the country to Switzerland, specifically Geneva, where I undertook additional courses to integrate into their system. I also went through the process of getting my certificates recognised, which is a requirement for any optometrist who wants to practise abroad.
I was licensed to practise and worked for a short while. However, I had always had it at the back of my mind that I wanted to run my own clinic because I enjoy doing business. During my training, we frequently went for externships and clinical attachments outside the school environment. Those experiences exposed me to the fact that Optometry has both a medical and a business aspect, including fashion eyewear. That combination fascinated me.
I practised for a couple of years in Geneva, acquired equipment along the way, and eventually decided to return to Nigeria. I returned in 2015, and by September of that same year, I started my own clinic. This year marks ten years since the business started.
What would you describe as your major milestones so far?
One major milestone has been consistent growth. When we started, we operated from a very small space. After about seven years, we had to reconfigure the space, using the front as a reception and optical showroom, while the other section served as the examination room. From there, we moved into a bigger office within the same plaza.
Later, the landlord of the plaza passed away, and his children took over. Due to mismanagement, all tenants were eventually asked to leave as they wanted to repurpose the building. We were forced to relocate, but the move turned out to be a blessing. Our current location gives us more visibility and more space to grow and expand. We are also grateful to the patients who have trusted us over the years and consistently recommended our services.
Optometry is not just medical; it is also a business for you. Ten years so far, what have been the challenges, especially in such a climate where people only seek optometrists when they have eye issues?
One major challenge has been awareness. In Nigeria, people generally only go to the hospital when they are sick, for example, with malaria. Many people do not see the need to visit an optometrist unless there is a serious eye problem.
We have had to educate patients on the importance of routine eye checks, even when there is no obvious issue, just like annual medical check-ups. The eye is the window of the body. A person may appear healthy, but once vision is lost, it affects the whole body. We carry out a lot of awareness and sensitisation through social media, school outreach programmes, and health talks.
Another challenge is the business environment. The state is not particularly favourable to health businesses. There is excessive taxation, with levies coming from various agencies. Ideally, the Ministry of Health should regulate health facilities, but we have the Ministry of Commerce, local government officials, waste management agencies, and the fire service all coming with different demands, in addition to normal annual taxes.
What are some common myths about eye care that you encounter?
A very common myth is that wearing glasses damages the eyes. Many people believe that once they start using glasses, their eyes become dependent on them and they can no longer see without them.
For example, someone might say that before getting glasses, they could manage to read despite the strain, but after using glasses for a while, they can no longer see clearly without them. They then conclude that the glasses are damaging their eyes. This is a myth.
The truth is that the eyes adapt naturally. Glasses allow the eyes to function in a relaxed manner, reducing strain. Once the eyes get used to seeing clearly and comfortably, removing the glasses makes the strain more noticeable. It is similar to a child who was used to eating very basic food and then becomes accustomed to better meals; returning to the former becomes uncomfortable.
Another myth is that everyone who visits an eye clinic will be given glasses. That is not true. Some conditions are treated with medication, others with vision therapy or eye exercises, and some with low-vision rehabilitation. If glasses can help your vision, it is actually a good thing because there are some whom glasses cannot help.
What are the most common eye conditions you see?
The most common conditions are refractive errors, which require correction with lenses. This has become more prevalent due to lifestyle changes, especially prolonged use of digital devices such as phones and laptops. Constant near work places a strain on the visual system. Apart from that, older people tend to use glasses, and that is normal.
Another very common condition is glaucoma. Unlike refractive errors, glaucoma is more serious because it can lead to blindness. It is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. Many people do not know they have glaucoma until it is already advanced. Early detection is key. Glaucoma has no cure, but it can be managed, just like hypertension.
How often should people go for eye check-ups?
For someone without any known eye issues, once a year is recommended. If there is a family history of eye conditions such as glaucoma, then eye checks should be done every six months.
What is your view on herbal remedies for eye conditions?
There are so many claims out there about one-size-fits-all herbal remedies that can cure all sorts of eye conditions. I do not subscribe to herbal remedies for eye conditions. Many of these claims are unproven and risky. We have seen patients who applied such substances to their eyes and suffered serious damage. The eye is too delicate for trial and error.
Social media has promoted cosmetic contact lenses. Are there dangers associated with this trend?
Yes, there are many dangers. Contact lenses are medical devices, even cosmetic ones. We do not simply sell them; we prescribe them after proper testing. Not everyone’s eyes are suitable for contact lenses, and they come in different sizes. If you have a big cornea and get one that is small, it won’t be comfortable, or vice versa. You could have insufficient tear production or mild dry eyes, and you will not be a good candidate for contact lenses.
We carry out several tests to ensure suitability for cosmetic use or vision correction. Improper use, poor hygiene, c can lead to the contact getting contaminated, as well as incorrect sizing can cause serious eye damage. We have treated patients who almost lost their sight due to the misuse of contact lenses bought randomly from the market.
Are ordinary fashion glasses safe to use?
Since glasses do not go directly into the eye, people can wear them for fashion. However, if someone has visual problems, it is advisable to have proper eye tests so that the glasses can be both fashionable and corrective.
What are your non-negotiable eye-care habits?
Regular eye check-ups, taking breaks from digital devices, allowing the eyes to relax, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy listening to music, spending quiet time reflecting, and occasionally watching movies.
What are your future goals?
We plan to expand by opening more branches in other locations and states. We also aim to incorporate surgical eye-care services through partnerships with other professionals, and to develop our own eyewear brand exclusive to our clinic.
Finally, what advice would you give to people living with eye conditions?
Be consistent with your treatment. Use prescribed glasses or contact lenses as advised, attend follow-up appointments, do not share glasses or contact lenses, and avoid buying glasses from roadside vendors without proper eye tests.
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