Vision Programme

Major Clinics in 2019

By Standing Voice

July 31^st, 2019

In Tanzania, too many children with albinism remain trapped in a cycle of poor eyesight and poor learning. Misunderstood and unsupported in their visual impairment, many students fall behind at school and lose out on future opportunities for employment and training.

The Standing Voice Vision Programme was established five years ago to break this cycle, delivering vision care and education to thousands of people with albinism across Tanzania. The programme helps to enhance quality of vision and enrich the quality of life, removing barriers to educational and professional performance to secure a brighter future for people with albinism and their families.

2019 has brought further expansion for the Vision Programme, which is now reaching over 2,500 people with albinism across 8 regions of Tanzania.

Clinics provide each patient with specialist low vision examinations, assistive devices prescribed to meet their specific vision needs (including monocular telescopes, prescription glasses and UV-protective sunglasses), and education in the management of low vision and use of these devices. We have also trained a network of 105 teachers as Vision Ambassadors tasked with monitoring and promoting the welfare of children with albinism in schools.

Two highlights this year include our large-scale vision clinics in Arusha and Mwanza.

In Arusha, our optometrists screened a total of 393 patients, 278 of whom were students. The team distributed 195 pairs of prescription glasses, 378 pairs of UV-protective sunglasses and 173 monoculars. All patients received eye examinations and attended, alongside their parents and teachers, a special education session on management of low vision in classroom environments. Educating teachers about the implications of albinism for classroom participation creates a climate of understanding and support within schools, maximising the participation and welfare of students with albinism across a range of ages.

"I thank God that you are there. If you look at my children, they look well-protected because of you. We really appreciate your services"

(Teacher testimony - Sr Benadetha from St Francis School)

In Mwanza, the team recently delivered our largest vision clinic to date. The team served 529 patients, of whom 343 were students and 52 were newly enrolled. 212 pairs of prescription glasses were distributed, along with 247 pairs of UV-protective sunglasses and 30 monoculars.

"The services that you provide help us a lot; the education also increased my knowledge on various issues concerning us people with albinism. The devices will improve my performance in my studies and will help me with daily activities. Now I will be able to walk in the sun because of the sunglasses I got today. I hope that the organisation continues to deliver these services all over the country".

(Johnmery Ananias - Beneficiary)

‘It has again been another precious opportunity for me to deliver such a successful event. I am personally very thankful to Standing Voice for what they are doing. On my side, it is another golden opportunity to develop my career as an optometrist. Examining people with albinism’s low vision is something that needs unique attention. It is my second clinic after the Mwanza training. I feel myself getting better as I do more clinics.

(Redempta Kessy - Optometrist)

Standing Voice extends its heartfelt thanks to our Vision Programme partners Essilor Vision For Life, Under the Same Sun (UTSS), the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), KCMC School of Optometry and the Tanzania Optometric Association (TOA). Thank you to our wonderful optometrists, and to all funders and supporters of this life-changing programme, past and current.

Together, we move one step closer to ensuring full prosperity and equality for people with albinism across Africa. Next up: a major clinic in Dar es Salaam in September!