If we’re being real, most Nigerians don’t take eye tests seriously until wahala don set in. You know the vibe — you’re seeing fine, driving keke, reading WhatsApp messages clearly, and suddenly someone says, “Come and do eye test.” Instantly, the response is: “Abeg, I dey see well. Na waste of money.”
Sound familiar? Exactly.
In fact, a large number of Nigerians only walk into an eye clinic when the situation has become bad — blurred vision, pounding headaches, or even after a dangerous motor accident that was caused by poor eyesight. But truth be told, this habit of skipping regular eye tests is rooted in myths we’ve carried for years. And sadly, these myths are costing many people their sight.
Today, let’s break down these myths one by one, and show you why an eye test in Nigeria is not just important, it’s life-saving.
Myth 1: “If I can see well, I don’t need a test”
This is probably the number one Nigerian excuse. If you can read your text messages, identify people from afar, and cross the road without falling into a gutter, then you must be fine — abi?
🚫 Wrong.
Eye diseases like glaucoma don’t give any early symptoms. Your vision may look perfect, but silently, your optic nerve is being damaged. By the time you notice, it’s already too late. The World Health Organization estimates that millions of Africans go blind every year simply because they didn’t get tested on time.
So, the truth is: seeing well doesn’t mean your eyes are healthy. Just like you can’t know your blood pressure without a test, you can’t know your eye pressure without one either.
Myth 2: “Wearing glasses weakens the eyes”
Raise your hand if your parents ever told you not to wear glasses because “your eyes will depend on it.” 👋🏾
This is another Nigerian classic. Many parents even refuse to let their children use prescribed glasses, thinking they’re protecting them. But what really happens? The child struggles in school, can’t see the board, and sometimes even develops low self-esteem.
Here’s the fact: glasses don’t weaken the eyes. They only correct what’s already wrong. If your eyes are faulty, glasses help you see clearly — they don’t damage them. In fact, ignoring prescribed glasses can make the situation worse.
So, please, let’s throw away this myth. Wearing glasses is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that you’re wise enough to care for your vision.
Myth 3: “Eye drops from the chemist can fix everything”
This one na hot topic in Lagos especially. Almost every corner, you’ll see chemists confidently recommending one magic eye drop for red eye, itching eye, or “just to wash the eye.” Some Nigerians even buy eye drops from traffic.
But here’s the bitter truth: not all eye drops are safe. Some contain steroids that can actually damage your eyes permanently if misused. Others only treat surface symptoms while the real disease continues to grow unchecked inside.
Think about it: will you go to a roadside chemist for heart surgery? Then why risk your delicate eyes?
When it comes to your vision, don’t experiment. Always consult an eye doctor.
Myth 4: “Eye tests are too expensive”
Another classic excuse: “Ah, I no get money for that one now.”
But let’s be honest — many of us spend more money on phone data, shawarma, and aso-ebi than we would on an eye test. In fact, an average eye test in Nigeria can cost less than what you’ll spend on one night out with friends.
And guess what? At Soteria Eye Clinic, eye tests are affordable and accessible. We also do FREE basic eye test for all. Compare that small cost to the price of treating blindness or surgery later on, and you’ll realize prevention is far cheaper.
Your eyes are priceless. Protecting them shouldn’t be treated as luxury.
Why Regular Eye Tests Matter
So why exactly should you bother booking an eye test? Here’s why:
Early Detection: Diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease can be caught early.
Safer Driving: Many accidents in Nigeria are caused by poor vision.
Better School Performance: Children who see clearly learn better.
Improved Quality of Life: Imagine being able to read, work, and enjoy life without strain.
The truth is, an eye test is not just about glasses — it’s about your entire health.
The real Nigerian reality is that our myths are costing us. Every day, people go blind from diseases that could have been prevented with just one simple test.
It doesn’t have to be you.
Whether you feel fine or not, an eye test should be part of your yearly health check-up.
👉🏽 Don’t wait until you can’t see before you act.
👉🏽 Don’t wait until your child is failing in school.
👉🏽 Don’t wait until one chemist’s eye drop damages your vision.
At Soteria Eye Clinic, we make eye tests easy, affordable, and professional. Your sight is your future — protect it today.
“Stop believing the myths. Book your eye test with Soteria Eye Clinic today. Affordable. Professional. Life-saving.”
