Focus on Clear Vision programme

The Focus on Clear Vision programme is treating uncorrected refractive error – one of the leading causes of vision impairment – in Kenya and Nigeria.

More than 826 million people around the world are still living with vision issues that could be corrected. A simple eye examination and a pair of glasses can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Yet, people living in rural and remote areas, particularly in low and middle income countries, are often unable to access the treatment they need.

The Sightsavers programme, which began in 2025, is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vision Initiative. It involves training thousands of community health workers and teachers to provide eye screenings to address unequal access to eye care.

The programme is also supporting eye examinations and distributing free pairs of glasses to millions of people. This will unlock new opportunities for children and adults, while creating greater equality and shared prosperity across both countries.

How we’re building sustainable services

The programme is focused on strengthening eye care in Kenya and Nigeria – so that both countries can provide sustainable services for their citizens in future.

A key part of our approach involves improving knowledge: community health workers and teachers are being taught how to conduct eye screenings, refer patients for treatment and collect data.

We’re also supporting training in gender and disability inclusion, to ensure that eye health services are not leaving women and people with disabilities behind.

Lastly, we’re conducting research and using it to advocate for the governments of both countries to invest in eye health.

We know that prioritising good eyesight leads to greater equality and productivity on both an individual and a national level. Thanks to the Focus on Clear Vision programme, we are closer than ever to achieving this goal.

How Jayden reached the top of his class

Behind the statistics, there are real people who are now able to see the world clearly. This includes Jayden, a 12-year-old student from Kenya.

Jayden was struggling with vision problems that were affecting his schoolwork. He explains: “When I did not have these glasses, when the issues started, my academics were too low.”

As part of the programme, he was given an eye screening and a free pair of glasses.

Jayden has now soared to the top of his class in his most recent exam, proving just how much impact good vision can have. He now has his sight set on becoming a pilot – “so I can travel the world”.

Read more stories from the Focus on Clear Vision programme