How a partnership between African churches is helping communities see again

What the report says

Christian Today reported that VisionSpring, a global social enterprise, is working with church networks in Uganda, Zambia and Malawi to widen access to basic vision care in rural and low-income communities. The initiative, called Reading Glasses for Improved Livelihoods, trains pastors, clergy and lay volunteers to conduct simple eye screenings and provide low-cost reading glasses through trusted local church structures.

In the report, Rev Irene Akuku, a health coordinator in the Church of Uganda’s East Busoga Diocese, said the partnership with VisionSpring began there about a year ago. She said around 60 clergy and laypeople have been trained, more than 1,000 people have been screened, and nearly 700 have received affordable reading glasses. Julius Mujuni, VisionSpring’s Uganda lead, told Christian Today that Uganda has just over 50 million people but only about 200 ophthalmologists and 240 ophthalmic clinical officers, leaving many communities underserved. He estimated that nearly 5 million Ugandans need reading glasses but struggle to access them.

The article highlights churches’ role as trusted community institutions, especially where public services are limited. Mujuni said churches can help challenge misconceptions that glasses are only for the wealthy, unnecessary for people without formal schooling, or harmful to eyesight. VisionSpring sells glasses for about $3 a pair, according to the report.

The programme’s supporters say improved near vision can affect both worship and livelihoods, from reading the Bible to using mobile money or carrying out detailed farm work. Christian Today reported that VisionSpring sees the church partnership as long term and hopes to expand the model beyond its current work with churches in Uganda, Zambia and Malawi.