Taita launches telerefraction project to expand access to eye care

Residents of Taita Taveta County are set to benefit from improved access to eye care following the launch of a telerefraction project at Mwatate Sub County Hospital.

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The initiative was officially launched in partnership with the county government and aims to bring vision screening and corrective services closer to communities that have limited access to specialized eye care.

The launch was presided over by the Governor of Taita Taveta County, Andrew Mwadime, and attended by the organization’s Country Director, Head of Operations and Partnerships, and Head of Optics, alongside local health officials and community stakeholders.

Telerefraction is a technology-enabled approach that allows eye examinations to be conducted remotely. Using specialised equipment operated by trained technicians on site, patients’ eye measurements are captured digitally and transmitted to qualified optometrists in another location. The optometrists then analyze the data and prescribe appropriate corrective lenses.

Speaking during the launch, the Country Director noted that many people live with vision problems without realizing it.

“Four out of every ten people have refractive errors and many of them do not know it. Eye health has often been overlooked, yet clear vision is essential for learning, productivity, and quality of life. Bringing these services to remote areas is a priority for us because when communities see better, they live better,” he said.

The project was introduced in Taita Taveta County due to the county’s vast geographical coverage and the limited availability of specialized eye care services, particularly in rural areas where residents must travel long distances to access refraction services.

As part of the initiative, 50 eye camps are planned across the county’s sub-counties, beginning this week in Mwatate Sub-County. The outreach camps aim to screen thousands of residents for vision problems and distribute prescription glasses to those diagnosed with refractive errors.

Health officials say the programme is expected to improve learning outcomes for school-going children and enhance productivity among adults whose daily activities depend on clear vision.

The project is being implemented on the ground in collaboration with Wakujaa Foundation and CLIF Kenya, organizations that will support community outreach and service delivery during the eye camps.

Partners involved in the initiative expressed optimism that combining digital health solutions with community-based outreach will help close the gap in access to eye care services in underserved areas.

The launch marks a significant step toward strengthening eye health services in the county and ensuring that more residents receive timely diagnosis and treatment for preventable vision problems.