In 2009, ICEE became the supporting partner of the Eritrean government to help implement the Development of Optometry Services Programmme in Eritrea. This project has the aim of meeting the ICEE global initiative of eliminating avoidable blindness and visual impairment, following a five year strategy which encompasses the approach of developing sustainable systems for increased eye care access in Eritrean communities.

Progress for this programme has forged ahead achieving a first for Africa. In 2011, the first group of optometry technicians completed their training due to support by ICEE. Each new graduate will be employed by the Eritrean Ministry of Health forming the foundations for optometrists to be included in the Eritrean public health system. To complement the education and training strategy, ICEE has set up 10 Vision Centres in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Eritrea is one of eleven African countries in which ICEE has conducted research studies, collaborating with government health departments. The results give ICEE a baseline to measure the impact of current service delivery programmes, such as Vision Centres and outreach projects, as well as gathering statistics on the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness. The results are also used to influence in-country policies in planning and developing future eye care and vision services.

ICEE collaborates with governments, communities and international non-government organisations to develop long term solutions by investing in local eye care education, professional education, appropriate service delivery systems and research to ensure sustainable eye care in underserved communities.

Funders:

• ICEE
• Optometry Giving Sight
• Standard Chartered Bank,

Partners:

• Eritrea Ministry of Health
• Eritrea Department of Education
• College of Health Sciences (formerly the University of Asmara)