Student undergoing eye test
By Njoroge David
About 7.5 million Kenyans live with avoidable sight loss, a condition experts say continues to limit education, livelihoods and independence even though simple and affordable interventions could prevent most cases.
New research released for World Sight Day shows that basic eye health measures including school vision tests and on-the-spot reading glasses could transform lives and strengthen Kenya’s economy.
The global Value of Vision report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation found that treating sight loss is one of the most cost-effective health investments a country can make.
For Kenya, a Sh3.3 billion annual investment could yield over Sh33 billion in returns through improved productivity, employment and reduced caregiving.
Senator Crystal Asige, Secretary General of the Kenya Disabled Parliamentarians Association, said sight loss is a matter that can no longer be ignored.
“We often take our sight for granted but I know first-hand that it is a gateway to everything from education to earning a living,” Asige noted.
“As decision-makers we must commit to implementing proven cost-effective eye health priorities like providing vision screenings in schools and distributing reading glasses where they are needed most,” she added.
Victor Opiyo, President of the Optometrists Association of Kenya, observed that the findings confirm what professionals see daily in clinics across the country. “The solutions to sight loss are simple, affordable and life changing,” Opiyo explained, adding, “With the right investment we can restore vision for millions of Kenyans and unlock billions for our economy. Eye health is essential to education, productivity and dignity.”
Peter Holland, Chief Executive Officer of IAPB, remarked that sight loss affects every aspect of life but can largely be prevented.
“Most sight loss can be avoided with affordable interventions like expanding sight tests, providing glasses and improving cataract surgery,” Holland added.
“By investing in vision we invest in our future.”
The report urges governments to focus on six priorities: early detection through community vision screenings, distributing reading glasses, training more eye health workers, improving surgical teams, addressing barriers such as cost and distance and enhancing cataract surgery outcomes.
The IAPB’s Love Your Eyes campaign launched with the United Nations Friends of Vision Group is calling on Kenyans to book eye tests this World Sight Day to help prevent avoidable sight loss.
