We began working in Ethiopia in 2018 through our work with Partners in Education Ethiopia. Over our six years of working we have built partnerships with ophthalmic departments at five hospitals, which have become key access points for those seeking eye health care across the country.

2023 Highlights

Despite the ongoing state of emergency in the Amhara Region where much of our work is focused, we have made notable progress in the expansion of eye care services, thanks to collaboration with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Splash International and local partners such as Tibebe Ghion Hospital (Bahir Dar University College of Medicine and Health) and the Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. These partnerships laid the groundwork for impactful community projects that support eye health as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

In collaboration with Tibebe Ghion Hospital and our newest partner, Debre Markos University Hospital, we established two new vision centres at the primary hospitals in West Gojjam and East Gojjam zones, and work began to strengthen infrastructure at Debre Markos University Hospital.

Working alongside Partners in Education Ethiopia, we trained 21 teachers who conducted eye screenings and provided WASH education for students across nine schools. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing security situation, we were unable to deliver prescription eyeglasses to 46 students. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to relaunch many of our activities in 2024.

15,161

People screened for eye conditions

2,218

Sight-saving surgeries

2

Vision Centers established or upgraded

3,677

Students and school staff screened through school eye health programs

2,219

Pairs of eyeglasses dispensed

12,418

People screened for eye conditions

879

Sight-saving surgeries

62

Health workers, volunteers, teachers, and ophthalmic staff trained

4,919

Students and school staff screened through school eye health programs

435

Pairs of eyeglasses dispensed

Learn more about our work in Ethiopia in 2022.

Clean water, clear vision: The link between water and eye health

Healthy students, healthy futures

Celebrating five years of work in Ethiopia