Orbis child eye health programme in Zambia doubles access to screening in two years

A children’s eye health project in Zambia, led by Orbis, has almost doubled access to vision screening in its two years of operation.

Since July 2023, more than 122,000 free eye screenings have been carried out, and more than 6500 pairs of glasses have been dispensed as part of the project.

At the same time, almost 800 eye health workers have been trained to provide eye care in local communities.

The aim is to create “long-term, sustainable, and accessible eye care” across 10 districts in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, Orbis said.

There are 2.5 million people living in Copperbelt Province. More than half of Zambia’s total population are under the age of 18.

Awareness of the programme and of the importance of eye care, including challenging the fears that surrounds accessing it, was spread by more than 300 radio broadcasts and community film screenings, which were led by eye care workers.

The project is funded by the Qatar Creating Vision initiative (QCV).

Andrew Wardle, institutions and networking lead at Orbis UK, said: “Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment globally.

“Left untreated, childhood vision loss has lifelong consequences for health, education and earning potential.”

He added: “Through our programme of radio and film screenings, we’ve found an engaging, accessible and cost-effective method to spread eye health information far and wide.

“We’re directly empowering parents and carers to become healthcare advocates, eliminating barriers to treatment and ensuring a brighter future for Zambia’s next generation.”

Orbis UK/Orbis Zambia

Ophthalmic health worker, Charles, conducts an eye health screening as part of the Orbis programme in Zambia

Providing cataract care in Zambia: Emmanuel’s story

The Orbis screenings were carried out across 19 eye care facilities in Copperbelt Province.

One of those treated was 10-year-old Emmanuel, from the Kamuchanga District, who lost all vision in his right eye as the result of an accident in 2018 and later also began to experience clouding in his left eye.

This eventually led to avoidable blindness, which caused Emmanuel to miss more than two years of school.

During a visit to Kamuchanga District Hospital Emmanuel’s mother, Esther, learned about Orbis-supported eye screenings and surgeries. The Orbis programme then saw Emmanuel receive cataract surgery to restore vision in his left eye, enabling him to return to school.

The experience has made Esther an advocate for eye health, sharing her story on the radio as part of the Orbis programme.

“I once thought of ending my life. I felt overwhelmed, caring for a blind child while trying to make ends meet as a single mother,” Esther said.

“But I kept going. And now, I use my voice to help other families choose the right path.”

The project will enter its third year of operation in 2026.

Lead image: Emmanuel, who received receive cataract surgery through the Orbis programme and has now returned to school, with his mother, Esther.