(Free eye consultation and inauguration of the hospital’s new optical boutique by CEO Dr Henry Nkumbe – Retina Surgeon
In the heart of the festive season, Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute (MICEI), affectionately known to locals as Obak Eye Hospital, has turned Christmas into a celebration of sight by offering free eye consultations and unveiling a cutting-edge optical workshop equipped with premium eyewear.
Located in Obak on the outskirts of Yaoundé, the institute welcomed hundreds of patients during a two-day free consultation drive on December 17 and 18, 2025.
Many arrived early, eager to take advantage of professional ophthalmological examinations provided at no cost – a gesture that brought relief to families often unable to afford specialized care.
The highlight of the initiative was the official inauguration of the hospital’s new optical workshop, a sleek and contemporary space designed to provide high-quality eyeglasses and optical services under one roof.
To mark the occasion and extend the holiday spirit, MICEI introduced a 20% discount on all frames and lenses, an offer that remains in effect through the end-of-year celebrations.
Speaking on behalf of the institute, officials described the new facility as “a major milestone in our journey to make comprehensive, accessible eye care a reality for every Cameroonian.”
They highlighted how the workshop not only offers corrective solutions but also brings fashion-forward eyewear options – including renowned international brands – closer to local consumers.
The joy was palpable. Patients emerging from consultations with new prescriptions expressed profound gratitude, many noting that the initiative allowed them to address vision issues that had lingered for years.
As one beneficiary shared during the event, “This Christmas, I can finally see my family clearly – it’s the best gift I could receive.”
Central to this expansion is the strategic partnership with MAGRABI Retail Groups, the undisputed leader in eyewear across the Middle East.
Operating in numerous countries, the group has redefined the industry with innovative retail concepts, world-class optical services, and an extensive product portfolio that masterfully combines scientific expertise with aesthetic elegance.
(The new optical boutique.)
This collaboration has been instrumental in enabling MICEI to combat blindness effectively while minimizing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
MICEI did not miss the opportunity to thank those who make its work possible.
“Our deepest appreciation goes to our loyal patients, our tireless and dedicated staff, and the broader community whose trust sustains us”.
Since its establishment in 2017, MICEI has grown into a beacon of ophthalmic excellence in the region.
In just over eight years, it has conducted 481,402 consultations, performed 33,853 complex subspecialty eye surgeries, organized more than 623 free outreach campaigns in remote villages across Cameroon, and trained 218 eye health professionals from multiple African nations.
These numbers translate into real lives changed: children returning to school able to read the blackboard, adults regaining the ability to work, and entire communities spared the devastation of preventable blindness.
International Training program accreditation
The MICEI’s reputation received another boost recently with the award of a five-year accreditation from the prestigious Ophthalmology Foundation (USA).
This endorsement authorizes MICEI to train fellows in basic eye surgical techniques, positioning it as one of the foremost ophthalmic training centers in sub-Saharan Africa.
For those yet to benefit, the doors remain open – a timely reminder that the greatest gifts often come in the form of health and sight.
Dr Henry Nkumbe and some MICEI staff