High-Volume School Vision Screening Reaches Over 5,000 Students in Central Ethiopia

Vision screening is critical for all students! [Image description: a young Ethiopian girl is pictured with her new eyeglasses.]

Students and teachers across eight schools recently participated in our Yearly School Vision Screening Campaign.  5,725 students and 137 teachers were screened at their local school.  Forty-five students and 101 teachers were diagnosed with refractive error and provided free eyeglasses immediately available to them, thanks to our partnership with One Dollar Glasses. Six additional adults were also diagnosed with refractive error and received eyeglasses as well.

Vision screening at school ensures all children and teachers are assessed. [Image description: a young Ethiopian girl has her right eye covered with her right hand, and looking into the distance.]

Vision screening at school ensures all children and teachers are assessed. [Image description: a young Ethiopian girl has her right eye covered with her right hand, and looking into the distance.]

Vision screening at school is critical for children in the communities we serve, where access to eye care services is extremely limited. Vision problems can create significant barriers to learning and academic success. Thankfully,  proper visual screening can address these issues early on, ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to thrive in the classroom. 

A young boy is being fitted for eyeglasses. [Image description: a young boy is sitting in a chair. He is being fitted for eyeglasses by a man, and a midwife stands near the boy.]

 We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Himalayan Cataract Project and optometrists from Hawassa University and Mudula Hospital for supporting better eye health in the communities we serve. Along with vision screening, 16 teachers and eight front-line health workers were trained in vision screening procedures.

Photo gallery below: Teachers diagnosed with refractive error received new eyeglasses.A student is being fillted for eyeglasses, and two students have their new glasses- they look great! Students are gathered at their school in Farsuma village for their vision screening test.

Yearly vision screening and accessible eyeglasses for students and teachers are crucial for early detection and intervention, allowing students to excel academically and participate fully in classroom activities.