Vision care is an enormous need in Ethiopia. In fact, Ethiopia is believed to have one of the world’s highest rates of blindness (1.6%) and low vision (3.7%), of which more than 80% is either treatable or preventable (NCBI). Monitoring for low vision ideally begins at an early age, as an eye exam is crucial to ensuring that a child has a strong foundation to succeed in school and in life. Every child should have a complete eye exam prior to starting kindergarten to rule out issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), and refractive error (need for glasses). Early detection of vision problems in children is key to correcting these complications and preventing vision-based developmental setbacks. And, regular follow-up care is necessary as children grow and change so rapidly — as do their eyes!
Something as simple as an eye exam can truly have a profound impact on a child’s life. Specifically in underserved areas, access to an eye exam can change the trajectory of a child’s path in school, their career and, ultimately, their ability to provide for their family. Vision care is a key component of Medan’s mission. Through our program, each child will be offered a complete eye exam, and glasses will be supplied as needed through a partnership that we have created with a local optical shop in Ethiopia. What a difference we can make!
Written by Dr. Katie Andrews, optometrist and Medan Initiative board member.