Our Stories

In August, So They Can facilitated our fourth 1-day medical camp of the year in Kenya. Over 400 people from nearby communities attended to access an array of basic health care services, supported by our partner facility, Nakoko Health Dispensary. For the first time DOT Glasses participated in our camp to provide optometry services.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1 billion people globally are living with an uncorrected refractive error. Their vision impairment is preventable and/or treatable, often with testing and prescription glasses. Their lack of access to eye care severely impacts their quality of life.

On a mission to solve the world’s vision problem, DOT Glasses has created innovative glasses that are ultra low-cost, highly durable and adjustable to fit anyone’s face comfortably. With instant, on-site delivery that does not require an optometrist, the DOT Glasses model allows for eye care services to be delivered to the remotest of communities, such as in northern Baringo where we held the medical camp.

During the event, 247 people underwent an eye screening; 142 were referred for further examination since they had a condition not treatable by glasses; 64 were found to have light sensitivity and prescribed photochromatic lenses; 32 were found to have cataracts and, together with the 2 who had conjunctivitis, were referred for specialised treatment; and 7 people with near vision or myopic errors were given new glasses. This includes 50-year old Cheposika. Although she had vision problems, she has never been able to purchase a pair of glasses; in fact, it was her first time getting an eye test!

‘I’ve had a problem with my eyes for a long time but I haven’t been able to access treatment. I am not able to see far and sometimes I get migraines. I love the glasses because I can now see well. I can see clearly now. Thank you so much.’

 

DOT Glasses sent a trainer to the camp and with a DOT Glasses team member on site, the camp was the ideal practical training opportunity for the So They Can and partner health facility staff members. This means that we can continue providing eye care services, and DOT Glasses, to people visiting the Nakoko or Chesirimion Health Clinics, and other camps run by our So They Can team. Peninah, a Field Coordinator from DOT Glasses shared her experience.

‘It has been an amazing experience to see so many people turn up to seek medical services despite the terrible weather. Today I have witnessed that a lot of people from the community don’t have knowledge on eyecare and most of them suffer silently. A majority of the elderly that we have seen today have developed cataracts which are impacting their vision.’