Eye Care and Hope for Children in Narok, Kenya
Project Period: June 2025 – February 2026
Introduction
This report 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 severely limited. By combining preventive screening, direct treatment, and specialist eye surgery, an integrated approach was realised, addressing both immediate care needs and long-term capacity building.
A key milestone was the introduction of specialist oculoplastic and orbital surgery, performed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Maarten P. Mourits, in collaboration with the medical team of AIC Litein Hospital. The project was very positively received by the local community — parents, teachers, and village leaders expressed their appreciation for the care provided.
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 persistently 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, with lasting consequences for health and academic performance.
Schools Involved in Narok County
Partners & Organizations
- Implementing OrganizationStichting Oloonkolin
- Implementing OrganizationNdinda Foundation
- Implementing OrganizationNamunyak Opticians
- Medical PartnerAIC Litein Hospital
- Medical SupervisorProf. Dr. Maarten P. Mourits
- Project PeriodJune 2025 – February 2026
- RegionNarok County, Kenya
Results in Numbers
The following results were achieved during the full project period:
Children Screened
Multiple schools in Narok County
Glasses Provided
Locally produced via Namunyak Opticians
Medications Provided
Treatment of eye conditions
Professionals Trained
Teachers, opticians & healthcare professionals
Project Approach: Four Pillars
The project combined prevention, treatment, and specialist surgical care to address both immediate care needs and long-term sustainability.
School-Based Screening
Large-scale screenings across multiple schools in Narok County. Children underwent visual acuity testing and basic ophthalmic examinations, enabling early detection of eye problems.
Early diagnosis prevents lasting impairmentTreatment & Glasses
Children received immediate appropriate care: glasses and medical treatment. Glasses were locally produced via Namunyak Opticians for rapid availability.
Direct improvement in concentration & learningSpecialist Surgery
Patients with more complex conditions were referred to AIC Litein Hospital, where oculoplastic and orbital surgical procedures were performed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. M.P. Mourits.
Life-changing treatments in the regionCapacity Building
Training for teachers, healthcare professionals, and the surgical team to strengthen local capacity and ensure sustainable continuation of eye care services.
~10 surgeries/month — independently performedImages from the Field
Captured moments from screenings, treatment sessions, surgical training, and community engagement across Narok County.
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Procedures Performed
For the first time, complex eye operations could be performed in the region, leading to better treatment outcomes and fewer complications. At the same time, local surgical capacity was structurally strengthened — the team is now capable of independently performing approximately 10 operations per month, amounting to approximately 120 per year.
| Procedure | Count |
|---|---|
| DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) | 3 |
| Frontalis suspension procedure | 1 |
| Levator reinsertion | 1 |
| Levator disinsertion | 1 |
| Ptosis correction | 1 |
| Canaliculitis treatment | 1 |
| Canthus correction | 1 |
| Entropion correction | 1 |
| Distichiasis treatment | 1 |
| Total procedures performed | 11 |
Impact at Multiple Levels
Impact on Children
Thousands of children have gained improved vision, directly contributing to better learning outcomes, increased concentration, and active participation in education. Access to glasses or treatment has made a direct and visible difference for many children.
Impact on the Community
The project has led to increased awareness of the importance of eye health. Parents, teachers, and local leaders are better equipped to recognise eye problems early and seek timely help.
Impact on the Healthcare System
Through training of teachers, opticians, healthcare professionals, and the surgical team, knowledge and expertise in the region have been significantly expanded. The introduction of specialist oculoplastic surgery has structurally broadened the range of available treatments.
Strengthening of Namunyak Opticians
The project has not only delivered medical impact, but has also contributed to a financially sustainable local care model. The local optician plays a crucial role in the continuous availability of glasses and eye care in the region.
Exchange rate: 140 KES per euro
What the Community Says
The project was very positively received by the local community in Narok County.
"Many vision problems previously went unnoticed. The screening and treatment have brought a direct improvement in the daily functioning of our children."
"We clearly see better concentration, active participation, and improved academic performance among students who received glasses or treatment."
"The availability of specialist eye surgery in our region was something we never expected. It has significantly improved access to care."
A Scalable Model for Eye Care
Through the combination of screening, treatment, surgery, and capacity building, the project has established an integrated and scalable model for eye care in rural areas. This model:
- Reduces preventable visual impairment
- Improves educational opportunities for children
- Strengthens local healthcare structures
- Creates lasting impact for future generations
- Makes eye care financially sustainable via Namunyak Opticians
independently
projected
procedures
reached
The Next Step
This success provides a strong foundation for the further expansion of eye care activities in Narok County and surrounding regions.
Expanding Screenings
Reaching more schools and communities by expanding screening programmes into neighbouring regions.
Surgical Capacity
Further developing local surgical capacity so that increasingly complex procedures can be performed independently.
Knowledge Strengthening
Ongoing training of local professionals to structurally anchor the quality and continuity of eye care services.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates that sustainable eye care in rural areas is achievable through an integrated approach combining screening, treatment, surgery, and capacity building. Through strong collaboration with local partners and investment in knowledge and infrastructure, not only immediate impact has been realised, but also a structural improvement of the healthcare system. As a result, children have lasting better chances of good vision, education, and a healthy future.
We sincerely thank all donors for their essential contribution to this project.
Watch the Project in Action
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