The Hope Alliance eye care camp: Bringing vision and hope to the remote Bwindi

The Hope Alliance, a non-profit organization that provides vision care and eyeglasses to the under-served communities, partnered with Bwindi Community Hospital, a rural hospital that serves the remote people of Bwindi and the nearby areas, including the marginalized Batwa (pygmy) population, to provide free eye care services to the people.

The 5-day camp that took place early August, 2023 with over 1000 people being seen by The Hope Alliance and Bwindi Community Hospital health workers, is a blessing to the community members.

Together, since 2017, they have been conducting vision screenings, eye exams, and eyeglass distributions for children and adults who otherwise would not have access to these services. Vision is a precious gift that many of us take for granted. But for millions of people around the world, poor vision or blindness can limit their opportunities, education, health, and happiness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least half of these cases, vision impairment could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed.

47-year-old Jackline Twebaze, a resident of Rusoroza Village, Kibimbiri Parish, Kihihi Sub-county could not hide her joy after getting free reading glasses from the camp that was held at the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi. "When my friend told me, I hurriedly came to the school. They worked on me and gave me glasses. They have even given me medicine. I appreciate this service given free of charge in Kanungu."

Mrs. Twebaze also noted that she travelled a distance of more than 50km to come to the Hospital. The opportunity that found her while visiting a friend at the Hospital could only be considered a lifesaver.

"Even now, I know five other close friends who need such help; I will call and inform them," she added. This partnership has so far had a remarkable impact. Many people have been provided with eyeglasses. However, the work is not done yet. There are still many more people who need vision care and eyeglasses. In light of this, The Hope Alliance and Bwindi Community Hospital plan to start a specialized Vision and Dental Clinic that allows training including surgery for those that need it.

Stacey Lippert, a Board member of The Hope Alliance, noted: "We are working on a Dental and Vision clinic. We have a plan already developed. We are working with people all over the world to bring equipment for the clinic. We are working diligently to make sure that the Bwindi community has such programs to support itself."

A Global Disease Burden (GBD) report, 2017 ranked vision impairment, including blindness, as the 3rd cause among all impairments for years lived with disability.

According to the World Vision Report, 2019, eye conditions that can cause impairment and blindness, such as cataracts, trachoma, and refractive error, are the main focus of prevention.