Dr. Okonokhua Oziengbe, known fondly as Dr. Ozy, is a man on a mission. As an optometrist, humanitarian, and passionate advocate for pediatric cancer awareness, he has dedicated his life to ensuring that children in Nigeria have access to early detection and treatment of life-threatening eye conditions and cancer.
During a recent meeting with Megan Webber, Co-Founder of KnowTheGlow (KTG), and Ruth Ngaruiya, Programs Manager for Africa, Dr. Ozy shared his experiences and the profound work he leads at the Okapi Children’s Cancer Foundation. Their discussion focused on the synergy between KnowTheGlow’s mission to raise awareness about retinoblastoma and other pediatric eye diseases and Dr. Ozy’s ongoing efforts in pediatric cancer advocacy.
His journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. Through his work as an optometrist and a humanitarian, he has championed eye health and cancer care for children, playing a pivotal role in organizations such as the Lions Club International, where he serves as the District Committee Chairperson for Sight Preservation and Awareness. In 2019, he joined the Okapi Children’s Cancer Foundation and quickly contributed to the expansion of its reach to include school sensitization programs aimed at creating “Childhood cancer champions” among children. His efforts have not only raised awareness but also led to tangible improvements in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of a 20-bed pediatric cancer ward at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. The facility, completed in just six months, now provides critical care for children battling cancer, with 16 regular beds and four intensive care units.
Despite these achievements, significant challenges remain. Pediatric cancer in Nigeria continues to be hindered by poor health-seeking behavior, lack of awareness, treatment abandonment and limited funding. Dr. Ozy expressed deep concern about the increasing cases of retinoblastoma, where late-stage diagnosis and limited access to treatment often lead to poor outcomes. He stressed the urgency of grassroots awareness campaigns to combat widespread misinformation and improve early detection rates.
Dr. Ozy sees great potential in initiatives like KnowTheGlow, which align with his mission of ensuring early detection and intervention. He was particularly excited about the impact KnowTheGlow’s materials could have on awareness efforts in Nigeria. He highlighted The Glow concept as a powerful tool for self-diagnosis and early identification of retinoblastoma, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare.
As the meeting concluded, both parties recognized that their potential for exploring collaboration represents more than just the sharing of resources—it is a union of purpose. Being able to add KTG messaging to Dr. Ozy’s advocacy efforts can provide meaningful change in the early detection and treatment of pediatric eye diseases. For Dr. Ozy, every step forward—whether equipping medical students with critical knowledge, supporting affected families, or expanding screening initiatives—brings him closer to a future where no child in Nigeria is left in the dark.
We look forward to sharing updates on Dr. Ozy and his team’s work and highlighting the impact they are having in transforming pediatric eye care in Nigeria.
