Eye experts, Ministry of Health partner to offer free eye tests to school-going children

For many children, struggling in school isn’t a matter of their ability to learn, but their ability to see.

Unfortunately, vision problems often go undiagnosed, leaving countless young learners facing challenges that hinder their academic success.

During 2024's World Sight Day screenings, 20 per cent of the 730 school children screened had poor eyesight, while nearly a third exhibited symptoms of non-refractive eye conditions such as allergies and light sensitivity. 

In response, the Enjoy Vision campaign has been launched—a collaborative effort between Dot Glasses, the Kenya Association of Opticians, the Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders. The campaign aims to ensure that school-going children can see clearly and reach their full potential.

Already, the initiative has provided free eyewear to many of these children.

According to Bradley Heslop, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Dot Glasses: “Ensuring that children have access to vision correction is not just about eye health, it’s about giving them a future where they can learn, participate, and thrive without unnecessary barriers.”

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“By partnering with organisations like the Kenya Association of Opticians and the Ministry of Health, we are taking a significant step in making eye care affordable and accessible to all,” he added.

Looking ahead, the partnership aims to expand its reach in 2025 by offering screenings and eyewear to even more children across the country.

This will be part of a broader effort to raise awareness about preventable vision problems and to train teachers and school staff to recognize early signs of vision issues, allowing for prompt intervention before the problems worsen.