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Kwale Project aims to improve access to quality eye care services by providing 150 cataract surgeries to underserved populations in Kwale County. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the region, yet access to treatment remains limited due to high costs, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK) with Kwale Eye Centre will implement a two-week eye camp, offering sight-restoring surgeries, post-operative care, and recovery support.
To strengthen local eye care systems, the project will train 20 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) on primary eye health awareness and early detection of vision-related conditions.
By integrating direct medical intervention, community awareness, and capacity building, the Gift of Sight Kwale Project will reduce preventable blindness, improve health outcomes, and empower communities with sustainable eye care solutions.
Globally, an estimated 1.1 billion people live with vision impairment due to inadequate access to eye care services. Of these, 43.3 million people are blind, while 295 million suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment across all age groups. Additionally, 510 million people require reading glasses due to near-vision impairment.
Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness worldwide, despite being treatable through a relatively simple surgical procedure. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, access to cataract surgery is limited due to financial constraints, lack of healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate awareness.
In Kenya, over 80% of blindness is due to curable and preventable causes, yet millions lack access to quality eye care services. An estimated 7.5 million Kenyans (15.5% of the population) require eye care services, with cataract being the primary cause of avoidable blindness.
The situation is worse in rural counties, where there is a severe shortage of ophthalmologists and optometrists, making it difficult for communities to access timely interventions.
The proposed project, aimed at conducting 150 cataract surgeries in Kwale County, is crucial in addressing the high prevalence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment in the region. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness, with 28,849 people in Kwale requiring surgery, 11,203 of them needing intervention in both eyes. Without timely treatment, thousands are at risk of permanent blindness, significantly impacting their quality of life, productivity, and economic independence.
Kwale Eye Centre is a leading eye hospital on Kenya’s south coast, dedicated to reducing avoidable blindness. Since its inception, it has treated over 800,000 patients and performed more than 45,000 surgeries, demonstrating its expertise and strong community trust. Charity Vision is an international NGO supporting cataract surgeries, with prior experience partnering with Islamic Relief Kenya on similar initiatives.