Hospitals in Rwanda’s Western Province are celebrating a transformative partnership with Kabgayi Eye Hospital that has dramatically improved access to eye care for children.

For over three years, Kabgayi Eye Unity, in collaboration with the See You Foundation, has run an inclusive eye care program targeting children from birth to age 18.

The initiative has enhanced access to quality eye care, with Directors from hospitals across the region lauding its impact.

The program, active in 12 hospitals across seven districts, focuses on early detection and treatment of eye conditions, aiming to prevent severe complications and lifelong disabilities.

At Gihundwe Hospital in Rusizi District, Director Dr. Edithe Mukayiranga described the program as “a blessing for our community.”

She explained that before its implementation, many eye conditions went unnoticed, leading to long-term complications, including blindness.

“The program’s preventive approach ensures early detection through routine screenings at schools and during family health visits,” Dr. Mukayiranga shared.

One of the program’s key achievements is training healthcare workers to conduct screenings and offer prompt treatment.

“We can now detect and treat eye conditions in children from birth, significantly reducing severe cases in our area,” Dr. Mukayiranga said.

For complex cases requiring advanced care, patients are referred to Kabgayi Eye Hospital. “Specialists either visit us, or we refer patients directly to Kabgayi.

Financial support from the project relieves parents of the burden of medical costs,” she added.

Dr. Raphael Uzabakiriho, Director General of Mibilizi Hospital, highlighted the increase in daily eye patient visits, from a handful to 20–30 patients.

“Previously, families delayed treatment due to financial challenges or lack of awareness, often resulting in preventable blindness. This program has brought eye care closer to communities and eliminated these barriers,” he said.

Both hospital directors emphasized the importance of sustaining the program to ensure no child suffers unnecessarily from treatable eye conditions.

The inclusive eye care program, championed by Kabgayi Eye Hospital and See You Foundation, is a gamechanger for children in Rwanda’s Western Province.

“With its continuation, we can provide life-changing care to thousands of children and build healthier, brighter futures,” Uzabakiriho concluded.

For over three decades, Kabgayi Referral Centre in Eye Care has been a cornerstone of eye treatment and care services in Rwanda.