When children aren't properly diagnosed or treated for their eye conditions, the results can be devastating. Permanent vision loss and even blindness can result. The good news is, half of childhood blindness is avoidable. The bad news is, low- and middle-income communities - like the Ashanti region of Ghana - lack the pediatric eye care services that can preserve or restore sight. Even simple vision-restoring remedies like eyeglasses are hard to come by. With your help, we can change that.
Ghana is home to over 10 million children under age 14, including thousands who are blind or visually impaired. 70% of cases could be treated or prevented. Yet no pediatric eye care services were available in the country's most populous region, the Ashanti region, until Orbis began partnering with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in 2014. Thousands of children's lives have since been transformed by sight-saving screenings and treatments-but many more remain in need.
Orbis established a pediatric eye unit at KATH to save sight now and for years to come. We are providing training for doctors, nurses and other eye health workers; school screenings for children; and much-needed items like equipment and eyeglasses. Last year, the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital visited Ghana. Expert Volunteer Faculty shared skills with local providers, who tell us the experience was inspiring. It was a valuable complement to our ongoing work, and it set us up for continued succes
Every dollar invested in eye care in a place like Ghana generates four dollars in economic gain. It's an extraordinary ROI - both economically and in terms of quality of life. A child whose vision is restored can go to school, read her books, and pursue her dreams. Adults can find gainful employment and support their families. In this way, restoring vision disrupts the cycle of poverty. There is a long-term, transformative effect on individuals, families, and even entire communities.
