In the midst of COVID-19, our Eye Rafikis-in-training collaborated with the Government of Bungoma County in Kenya to provide free vision screenings as well as raise awareness of good vision and COVID-19 safety measures to the community in the county.
Conducted with safety guidelines in place, the screening, which was supported by Essilor’s social impact fund, Vision For Life, saw over 70 people in attendance. Over 35% of them needed glasses and were able to purchase them at affordable rates from the Eye Rafikis. At the screening, important information about good hygiene practices and safety measures, including proper hand-washing techniques, was shared with the community so they can stay safe amidst COVID-19.
Our Eye Rafiki program trains and supports unemployed or underemployed youths in Kenya to become primary vision care entrepreneurs offering vision care to underserved communities, where it wasn’t available before.