The Africa Clear Sight Partnership is a project implemented in Nigeria by the Christian Health Association of Nigeria, with funding from Restoring Vision (RV) and the African Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP). The project aims to address presbyopia among the underserved communities and improve the livelihoods of 200,000 people in Nigeria whose ability to work is affected by poor eyesight (near vision), particularly those engaged in visually intensive occupations among the most marginalized populations in the country.
The project is being implemented across four states: Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, and Sokoto State, covering a total of eight local government areas. It specifically targets individuals aged 40 years and above whose livelihoods are at risk due to a lack of near-vision care and who cannot afford a pair of reading glasses. Beneficiaries include tailors, teachers, pastors, traders, and others whose work requires clear near vision glasses to complete tasks.
The project also aims to enhance access to eye care services by establishing community-based vision screening programs for the early detection of refractive errors. A key focus is on providing free reading glasses to individuals with presbyopia.
Additionally, the initiative builds local capacity by training community healthcare workers and volunteers in presbyopia screening, eyeglass dispensing, and patient referrals for more comprehensive eye care. The implementation strategy includes:
Community outreaches to raise awareness and provide screenings, Partnerships with local health facilities to integrate presbyopia screening.
Expected Outcomes
The Africa Clear Sight Partnership Project in Nigeria represents a crucial step toward reducing avoidable vision impairment in underserved communities. By combining training, public awareness, and accessible treatment solutions, the initiative seeks to create lasting improvements in eye health across the country.