In Uganda, ICEE staff member Dr Naomi Nsubuga is working to help those suffering from low vision and refractive error.

It’s a big job. Between February and June 2008, ICEE provided eye examinations for 602 children, like Auzum. In East Africa eye examinations are critical. Without them, too often, children suffering with low vision are placed in schools for the blind, even though they have some ability to see.

Dr Nsubuga explains the strategy ICEE employs in East Africa to increase the accessibility of eye care, “ICEE travels to regional areas, district hospitals and health centres to train Ophthalmic Clinical Officers who become primary eye care providers. Prior to training, these health workers are typically practicing nurses or midwives”.

“ICEE also trains Dispensing Opticians to make and distribute glasses and low vision devices. It is crucial that patients have access to affordable vision correction. Our decentralised service delivery system and distribution network makes that possible,” said Dr Nsubuga.

“We have developed an Uncorrected Refractive Error Programme which will increase the refraction skills of 50 Ophthalmic Clinical Officers and train 8 Dispensing Opticians in the next 5 years. Once trained it means more people have the skills necessary to provide eye care – the more people we train, the more patients can be seen and more little girls like Auzum will be enriched by sight”.

“ICEE is committed to building sustainable eye care services to ultimately reduce the impact vision impairment has on lives,” said Dr Nsubuga.

Thanks to our in-country partner Sightsavers International for hosting American Academy of Optometry member Dr Moes Nasser on behalf of Optometry Giving Sight.