On October 10th, the world comes together to celebrate World Sight Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about eye health and the importance of regular eye check-ups. Vision is an integral part of our lives, and by highlighting the global impact of blindness and vision impairment, we help educate those who may not be familiar with the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments.

People with visual impairments often encounter numerous obstacles in their daily lives, including difficulty in accessing education and employment opportunities, social stigma, and barriers to navigating public spaces independently and limited access to information, technology, and healthcare services tailored to their needs.

Overcoming these challenges requires more than just physical accommodations such as braille materials and assistive devices. It also calls for societal education, disability inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone— including in the workplace.
Good thing is, there are organizations that have taken proactive steps to integrate people with visual impairments into their ecosystem.

For instance, Safaricom Limited has developed accessible products and services for individuals with visual disabilities. Their mobile applications and websites are designed to be screen reader friendly, enabling visually impaired users to access information and navigate digital platforms more easily. In addition, Safaricom provides staff training to assist customers with disabilities effectively. Such efforts, coupled with global advancements in treating visual impairments, offer hope to millions of people. New technologies such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and retina implants are being explored in first-world countries to restore or improve vision.

A personal example comes from my mother, Joyce, who recently underwent surgery at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, where a cutting-edge procedure relieved pressure in her eyes and removed cataract,” said Jacinta Wairimu. This treatment represents just one of many breakthroughs offering renewed sight and hope to those affected by eye conditions.

Peter Holland, CEO of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), asserts, “We all know that in children, uncorrected vision impairment can severely impact their education. Research tells us that providing children with access to prescribed spectacles can reduce failure rates by 44%. It is knowledge like this that has led us to make World Sight Day 2024 focused on children around the world.”

To support this effort, parents, caregivers, and schools are encouraged to pledge eye tests for young people. A child’s pledge to #LoveYourEyes will not only benefit their own lives but also raise awareness for the estimated 450 million children globally who have a treatable sight condition. Organizations like Safaricom are encouraged to participate in the Global Challenge by conducting vision screenings for children.

inABLE, a Kenyan not-for-profit that is empowering persons with disabilities in the African continent, is at the forefront of advocating for digital accessibility and disability inclusion for youth with disabilities. They envision a community where individuals with disabilities have the same access to the same educational, technological, and employment opportunities as the non-disabled.

“World Sight Day is a significant day for both visually impaired persons (VIPs) and those who are sighted. For VIPs, it is a time to raise awareness about blindness and remind society that sight should never be taken for granted—especially for preventable eye conditions. It’s also a reminder to VIPs that the absence of sight does not equate to a lack of vision, and blindness should never be
seen as a limitation,” says Julius Mbura, inABLE’S advocacy
officer.

Julius adds that sighted individuals can show their support by embracing and empowering VIPs, offering opportunities instead of sympathy or pity. “By fostering independence and ensuring VIPs are included in all aspects of life, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.”

As we reflect on World Sight Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the transformative role of technological advancements in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. By exploring innovative treatment options and embracing disability inclusion, we move toward a future where blindness is no longer a limitation.

Celebrating Vision with Lions Sight First Eye Hospital World Sight Day, observed every second Thursday of October, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about blindness and vision impairment. This year, on October 10th, 2024, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital is joining the worldwide community to advocate for eye health and accessible eye care services. With the theme “Love Your
Eyes,” the focus is on encouraging individuals to prioritize regular eye check-ups and adopt healthy habits that protect their vision.

As a leader in eye care, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital has long been at the forefront of combating preventable blindness in Kenya. On World Sight Day 2024, the hospital is offering free eye screenings and consultations at its main facility and satellite clinics. Through these
initiatives, Lions SightFirst aims to reach those most vulnerable to vision loss, including children and the elderly, who often lack
access to necessary eye care services.

Beyond the day’s activities, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital continues to champion for sustainable eye health through community outreaches, specialized treatments, and public education. By partnering with various stakeholders, including local schools and corporate organizations, the hospital is committed to making quality eye care accessible to all. This World Sight Day, Lions Sight First reminds everyone that caring for your eyes today can preserve your vision for a brighter tomorrow.

In Conclusion. Dr. Laibuta quotes: “We are who and what we perceive as our self-worth. Disability presents us with many excuses for failure in life, but no single reason why we cannot achieve our maximum potential.”
“Our success is anchored on the dreams we envision, the actions we take towards our goals, our resilience and endurance in testing times, and on our belief on oneself”.

Article by:
Anne Muange
Head Of HR and Administration
Lions Sightfirst Eye Hospital
Julius Mbura
AdvocABLE Program Manager
inABLE
Dr. Imaana Laibuta
Chairman – Board of Directors
InABLE

Cathreen Wambui Ndung’u Contributor – CX SCOOP (Issue No 040)