Eye Screening Report | Healthcare Project

Eye Care and Hope for Children in Narok, Kenya

Project Report | June 2025 – February 2026

Introduction

This project plan describes the implementation and impact of the eye care project “The Right to Sight – Eye Care and Hope for Children in Narok”, carried out in Narok County, Kenya, between June 2025 and February 2026.

The project focuses on improving access to eye care for children and the local community in a region where such services are limited. By combining preventive screening, direct treatment, and specialist eye surgery, an integrated approach was achieved, addressing both immediate care needs and long-term capacity building.

The activities were implemented across a network of schools in Narok County, including Olamayiana Primary School, Sekenani Girls High School, Oletunget Primary School, Nturumeti Primary School, Olmashariani Primary School, Limanet Primary School, Oletung’et Primary School, and several surrounding schools, in close collaboration with local partners and medical specialists, ensuring broad reach and meaningful community impact.

Background and Rationale

In rural areas of Narok County, Kenya, access to quality eye care remains severely limited. As a result, many children grow up with untreated vision problems that directly and long-term affect their ability to learn, develop, and reach their full potential.

Due to the lack of systematic and early screening, these conditions often go undetected for years, leading to permanent visual impairments, reduced academic performance, and an increased risk of social and economic disadvantage.

Key Partners & Organizations

Implementing OrganizationStichting Oloonkolin
Implementing OrganizationNdinda Foundation
Implementing OrganizationNamunyak Opticians
Medical PartnerAIC Litein Hospital
DateJune 2025 - Feb 2026

Sustainable Impact Results

Surgeries Initiated locally~10/month (~120/year)
Optician GrowthRevenue more than doubled
Schools ReachedMultiple across Narok County

Project Approach

The project was implemented through an integrated approach, combining prevention, treatment, and specialist surgical care:

School-Based Screening: Large-scale screenings were conducted across multiple schools. Children underwent visual acuity testing and basic ophthalmic examinations.
Impact: Early diagnosis prevents long-term visual impairment and improves educational outcomes.
Treatment: Children received immediate care, including glasses (produced locally via Namunyak Opticians) and medical treatments.
Impact: Immediate improvement in learning ability, concentration, and participation in education.
Surgical Care: Complex conditions referred to AIC Litein Hospital. Specialized oculoplastic and orbital surgical procedures were performed under the supervision of experienced specialists (Prof. Dr. Em. Maarten P. Mourits).
Impact: Access to life-changing treatments and introduction of advanced eye care services.
Capacity Building: Training provided to teachers, healthcare workers, and the surgical team to strengthen local capacity.
Impact: Long-term sustainability and strengthening of the local healthcare system.

Sustainable Impact & Strengthening Local Systems

Impact on Children: Thousands of children have gained improved vision, contributing to better learning outcomes, increased concentration, and active participation. Access to glasses and treatment has visible benefits on daily functioning and self-confidence.

Impact on the Community & Healthcare System: Awareness of eye health has increased. Further, through training of teachers, opticians, healthcare workers, and the surgical team, expertise within the region has significantly expanded.

Strengthening of Namunyak Opticians: This collaboration has strengthened the local infrastructure. Annual revenue of the practice increased from approximately €9,475 to €24,907, contributing to a financially sustainable local care model that ensures continuous access to glasses.

Long-Term Model: This integrated approach reduces preventable visual impairment, improves educational outcomes, strengthens local healthcare systems, and creates lasting impact for future generations.

Future and Scaling

The success of this project provides a strong foundation for the further expansion of eye care services within Narok County and into surrounding regions.

The next phase will focus on expanding screening activities, developing surgical capacity further, and strengthening local knowledge continuously.

This project demonstrates that sustainable eye care in rural settings is achievable through an integrated approach that combines screening, treatment, surgical care, and capacity building.

Donor perspective: Resources have been used efficiently and responsibly, combining direct patient care with structural strengthening of the healthcare system. We sincerely thank all donors for their essential contribution to this project.