Our comprehensive and inclusive eye health program is dedicated to supporting service activities that combat blindness and preventable vision loss, while also assisting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Grounded in Helen Keller’s call for Lions to be the “Knights of the Blind,” our initiative responds to extensive research highlighting the profound impacts of vision loss on individuals, families, and communities. By targeting vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas across Zambia, we aim to address disparities in eye care access and outcomes.

The program emphasizes overcoming barriers through the promotion of high-quality, equitable, and evidence-based eye care services. Central to our approach is the creation of sustainable systems achieved by improving healthcare infrastructure and enhancing the training of health personnel. These efforts ensure that targeted communities receive consistent and effective support tailored to their unique needs.

Our services are integrated within existing health delivery frameworks through strategic partnerships with government agencies as primary service providers. Additionally, we collaborate with foundations, church-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders to extend outreach efforts. This multi-sectoral engagement ensures that eye health services are accessible at the grassroots level, fostering long-term improvements in vision care across Zambia

FACT SHEET

Global

• • Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least 1 billion of these, vision impairment could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.
  • The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness at a global level are refractive errors and cataracts
  • It is estimated that globally only 36% of people with a distance vision impairment due to refractive error and only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention.
  • Vision impairment poses an enormous global financial burden, with the annual global cost of productivity estimated to be US$ 411 billion
  • Vision loss can affect people of all ages; however, most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment

Zambia

• • Prevalence blindness

1. 1. 1. Estimated at 2% (389,200) (Lindfield, R, 2012)
      2. Childhood blindness ranges from 0.3 to 1.2 per 1000 children based on WHO estimates.
      3. Estimated 24,000 children need spectacles for refractive errors

• •  Main causes of Blindness (RAAB, 201 7)

1. 1. 1. Cataract (53.2%), Refractive Errors (15 .3%), Glaucoma (15.0%), Trachoma (5.7%), Corneal opacities (3.6 %), Retinal Disorders (3.2%) & Others (4.0%)

National Eye Health Strategic Plan – Zambia 2022 – 2026