'The Right to See' is a fundamental human right.

Our team is working to ensure this becomes a reality for everyone in Africa by developing sustainable vision care services, investing in innovation and technology to offer these services at scale, providing philanthropic support to those in need and raising awareness about the need for good vision. Together with our partners, we won't stop until we have eliminated uncorrected poor vision across the continent.

To see our programs in action visit our YouTube playlist and read on to hear from Mustapha Nije, who leads our activities in Africa.

Africa Region Playlist

Experience the life-changing work we're undertaking in Africa by watching our regional playlist:

What does 'The Right to See' Look Like to Mustapha Nije?

'The Right to See' for me and my team refers to the fundamental entitlement of individuals to receive high-standard and effective vision care services. This encompasses timely access and utilization to quality and affordable services and eyeglasses regardless of factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. The concept emphasizes that everyone should maintain good vision, receive appropriate eye care interventions and enjoy an acceptable standard of living without undue burden or discrimination.
Throughout the year, we organize philanthropy vision clinics with EssilorLuxottica volunteers, NGO’s and other stakeholders in communities that lack access to vision services, distributing over 300,000 glasses so far. Our more sustainable solutions involve establishing permanent access points within government healthcare systems and supporting unemployed optometrists in becoming entrepreneurs in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

We also help train individuals to become Eye Rafiki business owners and help them set up their own shops. They are also supported by unique screening tools and technology like ClickCheck and our Tele-refraction platform, which helps address critical human resource shortages of optometrists through remote screening programs.
On a more personal level, I travel throughout the continent and witness the impact we are having on some of the most remote communities. Restoring clear vision can open doors of opportunity, raise a family out of poverty and foster a sense of well-being and independence in women and young children.

Major Accomplishments in Africa:

Creating Sustainable Access Points – The Foundation has developed sustainable vision centers in six African countries including The Gambia, Rwanda, Zambia, South Africa, Liberia and Malawi. Our sustainable vision centers deliver long-term access to affordable vision care, while also creating hundreds of jobs for local community members in Africa. Additionally, our sustainable access program creates access to and awareness of vision care for underserved populations as well as improve local livelihoods. There are 177 Eye Rafiki, translated to 'Friend of the Eye', optical stores are providing affordable access to their communities in Kenya.

Innovating for Affordable Solutions – We've enhancing the patient experience with The Gambia’s First-Ever Electronic Medical Records System Centre. In addition to developing vision centers in Gambia, we partnered with The Gambian Government to develop and execute the country’s first-ever Point of Care Data Management System at Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre in Kanifing. The new system is a secure, paperless, web-based tool that allows patient information to be easily organized and quickly accessed. Prior to the implementation of this new system, patients experienced long wait times due to thousands of paper files that had to be searched to find patient history. The Point of Care system design reduces patient wait times, allows staff to access medical history instantly, and provides exciting research opportunities

Providing Free & Subsidized Services – We work with local doctors, community leaders, volunteers and like-minded organizations to provide vision screenings, refraction exams, glasses and resources to increase our reach and impact in Africa. On average we host one clinic every month across the region.

Watch this video to discover how we are innovating for affordable solutions and delivering increased access to vision care in Africa:

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‘The Right to See’: Africa 2024

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