In October and November 2023, six Optometrists, recruited by us will provide extra capacity to refraction clinics for secondary school children in Sierra Leone, as part of a research project measuring the educational outcomes of children whose vision is corrected with glasses.
Working alongside Optometrists and Optometry Technicians from Sierra Leone and Ghana, Sarah Dineen, Kristina Chapman, Ruth Davies, Claire Allen, Insiyah Bharmal and Hiromi Yee will travel to a new school each day, doing refraction on children who have been pre-screened and identified as having a potential vision problem. By the end of the project, all children who need glasses will receive a pair of new glasses free of charge, and children with other eye conditions will also receive the treatment they need.
Sarah Dineen, Optometrist, Glossop said, “As someone who’s main clinical interest is paediatric optometry, I’m acutely aware of the difference correcting refractive error can make to a child. It’s a privilege to be part of such an important project and to be able to help bring sustainable eyecare to the children of Sierra Leone, something we take for granted in the UK.”
Judith Trigg, Volunteer Programme Lead, Vision Action says, “There are presently not enough qualified eye health workers in Sierra Leone to carry out the vast number of refractions at the schools required by this project, whilst keeping the vision centres open to meet the needs of the community seeking eye care, therefore using professional volunteers is a great solution to increase capacity for this research project.”
We are proud to be the implementing partner for this study which is being led by Innovations for Poverty Action, a U.S.-based research and policy non-profit organisation, in partnership with academics and economists from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Minnesota. Vision Action and partners are in discussion with the government of Sierra Leone about planning for a national school vision screening programme, and this project is a vital step in providing the evidence required to advocate for the prioritisation of child eye health throughout the region.
Ruth Davies, Optometrist, Bristol said, “I’m very much looking forward to being part of a team that is examining the eyes of up to 5,000 schoolchildren who are struggling to see the board or have other problems with their eyes. On previous projects I’ve seen the life-changing difference that a pair of specs can make. We are hoping that this project will encourage the government of Sierra Leone to prioritise eye care for school children so they can gain the best possible education.”