Uncorrected poor vision affects over 400 million people in Africa, impacting the way they learn, work and keep themselves safe.
And the impact of uncorrected poor vision is often exacerbated by gender inequity, economic struggles and gender-based violence which disproportionately affects women, hindering their access to essential healthcare services, including vision care.
Recognizing the urgent need for transformative solutions, we initiated the Eye Rafiki program in Kenya in 2018, a groundbreaking vision care model aimed at training unemployed and underemployed youth to deliver essential eye care services in areas where vision care services were previously unavailable.
Hear directly from two remarkable Eye Rafikis in Kenya, Jenny and Joyce, who have embraced their roles with passion and dedication.
Since the program’s establishment Eye Rafikis has served approximately 4.2 million people in their communities.
These women are empowering their communities through vision screenings and the sale of glasses at affordable prices, ultimately forging a healthier and more inclusive society.
By empowering women as Eye Rafikis, the program addresses gender inequity, poverty and the lack of access to essential healthcare services. These women as vision care entrepreneurs, have empowered themselves and the communities around them.
The effect of the Eye Rafiki program is profound. For communities that once lacked access to vision care, affordable clear vision is now attainable.
Improved vision can lead to enhanced job opportunities and reduce the incidence of workplace related accidents and injuries.
And for the elderly, clear vision fosters independence and safety during day-to-day activities.
At the same time, as people gain access to glasses and necessary education on vision care, the societal burden of untreated vision conditions is alleviated, fostering a more inclusive and economically empowered community.