Eye care is not a luxury—it is an essential part of overall health. Unfortunately, for many Nigerians, quality healthcare has often felt out of reach due to cost. That is where Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) play a vital role. By spreading risk and negotiating with providers, HMOs make healthcare—including specialist eye care—more affordable.
In Lagos, where there is a concentration of both HMOs and eye clinics, patients have multiple options. But one recurring question is: Which eye clinics in Lagos accept HMO coverage, and what does that mean for me as a patient?
This post gives you a comprehensive breakdown of the major HMOs in Lagos, then dives into the most trusted eye clinics that accept HMO patients, starting with Vision Planet Eye Clinic as the top choice.
Known HMOs in Lagos
Before we talk about eye clinics, it’s important to recognise the key HMOs that operate in Lagos. These organisations contract with healthcare facilities to give enrollees access to services under prepaid or employer-sponsored plans.
Here are the well-established HMOs in Lagos you should be aware of:
- Hygeia HMO – One of Nigeria’s oldest and largest HMOs, known for wide provider networks and reliability.
- Leadway Health – Backed by Leadway Assurance, strong in both corporate and retail HMO plans.
- Avon Healthcare – Highly visible in Lagos; offers family, individual, and corporate plans.
- AXA Mansard HMO – International brand recognition; offers flexible coverage tiers.
- Bastion Health – Emerging but growing HMO focusing on preventive health and digital support.
- Reliance HMO – Popular for app-based accessibility and affordable, tech-driven plans.
- Redcare HMO – Focuses on family health packages and corporate enrollees.
- Nonsuch HMO – Serves private clients and companies, recognised by many clinics.
- ClearLine HMO – Wide coverage nationwide, with strong Lagos presence.
- Life Worth HMO – Mid-sized, often included in provider lists for Lagos clinics.
- Total Health Trust (THT) – A long-standing HMO with a broad provider network.
- Healthcare International (HCI) – Specialises in tailored corporate health packages.
- Metro Health HMO – Offers a mix of individual and group coverage.
- Life Action Plus – A smaller but growing HMO active in Lagos.
Each of these HMOs has specific agreements with clinics and hospitals. Not every eye clinic partners with all of them, but the top clinics usually accept multiple providers, making access easier for patients.
Vision Planet Eye Clinic
When discussing eye clinics that accept HMOs in Lagos, Vision Planet Eye Clinic deserves to be at the top of the list. Unlike many facilities that vaguely mention insurance, Vision Planet has an entire HMO program dedicated to patients.
Why Vision Planet Stands Out
- Clear HMO Partnerships
Vision Planet Eye Clinic partners with many of the major HMOs in Nigeria, including Hygeia, Leadway Health, AXA Mansard, Avon, and Reliance HMO. This means that if you are already enrolled in one of these providers through your employer or as an individual, chances are high that you can access Vision Planet’s services without paying out-of-pocket (except for uncovered extras). - Comprehensive Services Under HMO
Unlike some clinics that limit what is covered, Vision Planet offers a wide range of services to HMO patients:- General eye examinations
- Prescription of glasses and contact lenses
- Diagnosis and management of glaucoma and cataracts
- Retinal screenings
- Pediatric eye care
- Corporate eye screening packages
- Multiple Locations in Lagos
With branches in Yaba/Surulere, Ikeja, and Lekki, Vision Planet is strategically positioned to serve different parts of Lagos. For an HMO patient, this flexibility is invaluable—you can access care without travelling long distances across the city. - HMO Desk and Support
Vision Planet maintains a dedicated HMO desk to help patients confirm eligibility, process approvals, and minimise delays. This sets it apart from smaller clinics that may struggle with insurance claims. - Affordability + Technology
Beyond HMO acceptance, Vision Planet invests in modern diagnostic equipment, ensuring accurate results. Patients get world-class care at HMO-negotiated rates, combining affordability with medical excellence.
To explore their HMO provider list and get started, visit their official page:
Vision Planet HMO Provider in Lagos
Other Eye Clinics in Lagos That Accept HMOs
While Vision Planet offers the most explicit structure for HMO patients, other clinics in Lagos also provide eye care under HMO agreements. These may not advertise as heavily, but they remain accessible depending on your provider.
Cathem Eye Hospital
Cathem Eye Hospital accepts enrollees from several HMOs, including Leadway Health, AXA Mansard, Avon Healthcare, Hygeia HMO, Reliance HMO, Redcare, Nonsuch, ClearLine, and NHIS. They have grown in visibility and are a recognised option for patients in Lagos looking for specialist care.
Meridiem Eye Clinic
Meridiem Eye Clinic has partnerships with HMOs like AXA Mansard, Leadway Health, Reliance HMO, Bastion Health, Health Partners, and NHIS. Their focus includes comprehensive ophthalmology, making them a practical choice for insured patients.
EOG Eye Clinic
EOG Eye Clinic is known for serving Reliance HMO and Bastion enrollees, among others. They provide a mix of routine and specialist services.
Skipper Eye-Q
An international brand with a Nigerian presence, Skipper Eye-Q has “Membership | HMOs” noted in their care model, meaning they support insured patients. Their speciality is surgical and advanced ophthalmology.
The Eye Doctor’s
With branches across Victoria Island, Gbagada, Yaba, Ajah, and Ikeja, The Eye Doctor’s is one of the more accessible private clinics. They work with several HMOs, though details are usually confirmed in-house.
Forst Eye Clinic
Forst Eye Clinic has mentioned HMOs in its marketing, suggesting collaboration with insurers. They provide refractive and optical care services for HMO enrollees.
Eye Foundation Hospital Group
One of Nigeria’s largest eye hospital groups, Eye Foundation, accepts various HMO patients in their Lagos branches. Known for advanced procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery, they often require pre-authorisation from HMOs for specialist interventions.
Why Patients Prefer HMO Eye Clinics
- Cost Savings
Eye care, especially specialist treatment, can be expensive. HMOs absorb much of the cost, allowing patients to pay little to nothing for consultations, tests, or treatments that would otherwise run into tens of thousands of naira. - Convenience
With multiple HMO-linked clinics across Lagos, patients can access care close to their home or office. - Comprehensive Coverage
Depending on the plan, HMOs may cover glasses, surgeries, or medications. While there are exclusions, patients gain more access than if they paid cash. - Preventive Care
Many Nigerians only see an eye doctor when there’s a serious problem. HMOs encourage regular checks, helping to catch conditions like glaucoma early.
Tips for Using Your HMO at Eye Clinics
- Always call ahead: Confirm your HMO is accepted at the clinic you intend to visit.
- Bring your HMO card: This proves eligibility and speeds up processing.
- Ask about exclusions: Some HMOs cover consultations but not glasses or surgeries.
- Use the HMO desk: Clinics like Vision Planet have staff who handle approvals and paperwork.
- Know your plan: Corporate plans often cover more than individual retail HMO packages.
Bottom Line
Eye care is a critical part of health, and Lagos offers a variety of HMO-friendly clinics to meet the needs. From Vision Planet Eye Clinic, which has the clearest and most patient-friendly HMO program (see their HMO page here), to other reputable facilities like Cathem Eye Hospital, Meridiem, EOG, Skipper Eye-Q, The Eye Doctor’s, Forst Eye Clinic, and Eye Foundation, patients in Lagos now have options.
The key is to match your HMO plan with the right clinic, ask the right questions, and take advantage of preventive care. With the right clinic, you don’t just save money—you protect your vision for the long term.