Optometrists provide sight for more than 3000 vision impaired children
Thanks in part to the funds provided by Optometry Giving Sight, the project has expanded from its beginnings in Malawi where, last year, 70% of children in a program for the blind were found to simply need a pair of spectacles to see clearly or low vision aids. The “Giving Sight to Blind Children” project has since screened thousands of children across East Africa, with many receiving spectacles, low vision aids or being referred for medical intervention. The project is co-funded and implemented by optometrists working for the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) and Sightsavers International. But that’s not the end of the story….
Human resource development is vital to the sustainability of these activities and six optometrists and two low vision therapists from the region received training and mentoring as part of the project.
Advocacy is another important component and our partners are working with the Ministries of Education and Health to introduce school screenings as an integral element of the education system.
“Low vision is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, which is why human resource and infrastructure development are so important. Success in these areas will help to ensure that in the future visually impaired children will be quickly identified and will no longer have to live their life in the shadows,” said Professor Kovin Naidoo, Global COO (Programs), ICEE.
