Building Sustainable Ophthalmic Services for Lasting Impact - DRC  

Partnering with Vision For All Foundation (Switzerland)

Expanding Access to Vision Care in Underserved Communities

Working with Vision for All, I contributed to strengthening ophthalmic services in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by assessing and improving eye care infrastructure, training local personnel, and identifying sustainable models for long-term impact.

Case Study: Improving Eye Care in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi

The Challenge

Eye care facilities in the DRC face severe shortages of medical equipment, trained professionals, and essential resources. Many patients go blind from preventable conditions like cataracts and glaucoma due to a lack of early diagnosis and treatment options. Without intervention, vision impairment continues to affect thousands, limiting their ability to work, study, and lead independent lives.

The Solution & Approach

I collaborated with Vision for All to:
✅ Assess Facilities & Equipment – Evaluated two foundation-supported eye clinics, identifying non-operational ophthalmic devices (e.g., YAG laser, optic nerve analyzer) and gaps in maintenance capacity.
✅ Strengthen Local Capacity – Identified healthcare personnel for technical training to improve equipment management and ensure long-term sustainability.
✅ Expand Access to Care – Supported clinics operating on a hybrid financial model, where paying patients help subsidize free eye care for 30% of the population.
✅ Raise Community Awareness – Partnered with local media to produce educational programs on eye health, encouraging early diagnosis and prevention.

Results & Impact

✔ Identified & trained local staff for future medical equipment maintenance.
✔ Developed a roadmap for long-term improvements in ophthalmic services.
✔ Encouraged awareness campaigns, reaching thousands to promote early treatment.
✔ Explored sustainable funding models, ensuring long-term access to affordable eye care.

Looking Forward

Restoring sight transforms lives—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. While this initiative laid the groundwork for sustainable eye care in the DRC, many regions still lack essential services. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to affordable treatment remain crucial steps in ensuring long-term impact.

💡 Are you working on improving vision care or healthcare access in underserved regions? Let’s explore ways to create sustainable solutions together.

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