COVID-Safe Vision Screening in Kenya

In March 2021 in Kenya, we began COVID-safe vision screenings alongside our long-standing partner Beyond Zero. This was possible thanks to our team’s commitment to training implementing partners on our COVID-Safe Outreach Guidelines and Toolkit, working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with local regulations, and running pilot programs to ensure efficiency and safety.

So far in 2021, we have screened the vision of more than 6,000 people and provided more than 3,000 pairs of eyeglasses, with the Beyond Zero Medical Camps in tea estates and garment factories.

Thank you to Beyond Zero for your continued partnership and shared dedication to bringing eyeglasses to all!

More about Beyond Zero

Beyond Zero was started in June 2013 by HE, Margaret Kenyatta, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and is a medical safari model to bring healthcare services to Kenyans. VisionSpring joined as a partner in 2018, to complement their strategy around livelihoods and wellbeing.

Together we have screened over 23,000 people and issued over 8,000 pairs of reading glasses - with an average first-time wearer rate of 53%!

Community Health Workers lead the mobilization of the Beyond Zero medical safari, and VisionSpring works directly with the Ministry of Health, ophthalmologists, and optometrists in the counties where the medical safaris happen.

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Below are a few of the individuals we met during COVID-safe screenings with Beyond Zero, and stories of how eyeglasses are improving their lives.

*Mask removed only for photo.

Maureice O, 52, works as a machine operator and has been spinning complicated threads for 19 years. He is a first-time wearer of eyeglasses after attending the Beyond Zero outreach. When first trying on the glasses he knew immediately they would help him with threading. He is seen here at his workstation.

Syonthi M, 50, works in the fabric folding department doing grading, packing, and general quality control. Her work requires a detailed eye to material specifications, and she is frequently moving her gaze between forms, tallies, and fabricis. VisionSpring and Beyond Zero were able to provide Syonthi with her first pair of eyeglasses, which she said will help her read the bible and carry out her work. Her smile says it all!

*Mask removed only for photo.

Elizabeth W, 83, was the eldest person to visit the Beyond Zero COVID-safe camp and is a first-time wearer of eyeglasses. Her eyes were sensitive to light until she got her reading glasses, and she immediately remarked that she felt better and could now read her bible.

Charles M, 53, works in the fabric folding department and has worked at the factory for 33 years. He is a first-time wearer of eyeglasses, which he immediately noted will help him to confirm orders and prepare reports. He is seen here wearing his new glasses at his workstation.

*Mask removed only for photo.

Lucy W, 73, works in general housekeeping and is a first-time wearer. She said right away that the eyeglasses will help her to read her bible and be a more accurate record keeper.

Peter N, 58, is a supervisor in the engineering department. He has worked there for 20 years. He is a first-time wearer and remarked that eyeglasses will help him review work orders ad spare part issuances, and read the small text in his pocket bible.

Monicah N, 67, works at the tea farm in general cleaning. She is a first-time wearer who said the glasses will help her read, write shopping lists, and do needlework. Here she is seen reading a newspaper with her new glasses.

John N, 62, is a supervisor in the weaving department and has worked in the clothing factory for 30 years. He is a first-time wearer and said eyeglasses created a huge benefit while he reviewed documents, and checked the small grooves of the weaving machines.

Rose N, 45, works as a storekeeper. She is a first-time wearer.

Maurice A, 63, works in the engineering department as a welder. He joined the factory in 1976, and has worked there for 45 years. He is a first-time wearer and was most excited aboout his ability to read text messages from his mobile phone.

Mary M, 48, uses her new eyeglasses as she makes her daily record report.