Clearly Vision Prize awarded

Three innovations that could transform global eye health won Clearly Vision awards on World Sight Day (13 October).

The first-place winner was the Vula Mobile app, which is designed to connect primary care workers in remote areas with specialists, allowing referrals to be made. The organisation won $100,000 in funding.

Taking second place and $50,000 in funding was Folding Phoropter. The business harnesses origami to create an easy, open-source and cost-effective eye-screening device.

The distribution company Essmart was awarded third place, and a $25,000 grant. Essmart works across India, delivering affordable reading glasses to local shops, as well as educational materials.

During the London awards ceremony on Thursday, Dr Andrew Bastawrous, founder of Peek Vision, was also awarded the Clearly Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr William Mapham, the founder of Vula Mobile, expressed that he was “truly honoured to receive the inaugural Clearly Vision Prize, and be part of this incredible campaign. Poor vision costs the global economy $3tn a year, limits access to education, slows productivity and hinders our personal development and growth.”

Founder of the charity Clearly, James Chen, emphasised that: “Each of these brilliant breakthrough innovations has the potential to revolutionise how we detect, deliver and supply eye care across the world. They help bring us closer to the Clearly campaign’s mission: to help the whole world see within the next 20 years.

“In this era of electrifying progress, the world has the talent, technology and capability to ensure everyone can see clearly. It can and must be done. I am looking forward to working with all involved in the Clearly Vision Prize final to transform the lives of millions of people,” he concluded.

To learn more, visit the Clearly Vision Prize website.