eye health initiative

Since our first summer projects, we have had ongoing programs in eye health involving eyeglasses distribution (both sunglasses for eye protection while working in the fields, and reading glasses) and general eye health. We collaborate with Sight Savers International to provide corrective surgery to those who would have lost their sight otherwise. These corrective surgeries mainly treat cataracts and damage due to trachoma.

This program was designed in collaboration with the American charity, Unite For Sight. In 2004, UVP began performing visual acuity tests and eyeglasses were distributed where needed by specially trained volunteers. In subsequent years, we have brought a Focometer to Iganga to establish a permanent eye care program at our partner clinic, run by People and Development Initiatives (PADI) in Ibulanku village. Our teams also screen patients for treatable eye disease and transport them to an ophthalmologist for special care, including surgery.