For the past three years, the Kabgayi Eye Unit and the See You Foundation have been collaborating to assist children under 18 with eye problems in seven districts of Rwanda’s Western Province.
This project focuses on identifying and treating eye conditions early to prevent them from worsening and potentially causing blindness.
On Tuesday, December 3, the team visited two schools in Nyamasheke District—Wisdom Nursery and Primary School and St. Augustin TVET School—where they conducted free eye check-ups for students.
Speaking to ICK News, Sister Francine Nzeyimana, Director of Administration and Finance at Kabgayi Eye Unit, explained how the project identifies areas to focus on.
“The Ministry of Health determines where Kabgayi Eye Unit will operate based on the needs of the people in those regions,” she said.
She added, “The project targets children from newborns to 18 years old. Over the past three years, we have seen a significant reduction in eye problems among children in this region.”
Schools Appreciate the Support
The schools involved in the project expressed gratitude for the eye screenings.
Jean Pierre Safari, Headmaster of Wisdom Nursery and Primary School, praised Kabgayi Eye Unit and its partners.
“This is a great program. Some students may have had eye problems that no one noticed, but now they can get help,” he said.
Safari explained that some students struggled to see objects either far away or close up. “Now that these issues have been identified, we are hopeful they will be fixed soon,” he added.
At St. Augustin TVET School, students also appreciated the screenings. Gerard Nzabonimpaye, a masonry student, said the check-up revealed he had trouble seeing distant objects.
“They advised me to visit the hospital for treatment and regular check-ups,” he said, adding that he hadn’t realized he had an issue since he felt no pain.
Another student, Jean Pierre Tuyishime, said this was his first eye check-up. “It’s good to know the condition of my eyes and how to take care of them,” he said.
Jean Paul Byiringiro, Director of Health for Nyamasheke District, thanked Kabgayi Eye Unit and the See You Foundation for their efforts.
“This program helps people understand eye problems, how they begin, and when to seek medical attention,” he explained. “It also provides free check-ups and ensures that anyone with issues gets care from a specialist.”
Speaking to the children at the school, Byiringiro highlighted how the project has raised awareness and improved access to eye care, benefiting many children and families in the Western Province.
“Through this project, children and families in the Western Province have gained a better understanding of the importance of eye care and improved access to treatment,” he said.
According to data from the Kabgayi Eye Unit’s 2022 school screenings, 18,917 students participated in the program. Of these, 17,104 received treatments at various hospitals, while 13,855 having already been treated at the Kabgayi Eye Unit.
