OneSight Announces Partnership with SSI

A key program initiative for OneSight is to create ongoing sustainable care for people in need around the world. Through a new, three-year partnership with Sightsavers International (SSI), OneSight volunteers will be able provide essential long-term vision care to citizens of Gambia (West African country) for the first time.

More than 354,000 people in Gambia are affected by refractive error (blurred vision) and more than 163,000 need eyewear each year. Key reasons for the high number of untreated vision problems in this West African country include underfunding for eye care services, lack of trained health care professionals, the high cost of optical equipment and a general lack of awareness that poor eye sight can be improved with proper treatment.

The main goals of the SSI partnership are to:

  • Strengthen existing primary eye care centers.
  • Establish two local optical workshops, including community screening for refractive errors and referrals for further treatment.
  • Establish three self-screening vision centers in strategic locations in each of the five administrative regions in the country.

As part of the partnership, Sightsavers and OneSight will also provide training for two local optometrists and 12 optometric technicians to help serve Gambia and surrounding region.

“We are very proud to partner with one of the most important charities in the eye care world,” said Greg Hare, Executive Director of OneSight. “Combining Sightsavers’ knowledge and established presence in countries where it operates with OneSight’s commitment to improve vision for those in need will help The Gambian government provide sustainable refractive services.”

Dr. Caroline Harper, Chief Executive of Sightsavers added, “Our partnership with OneSight will enable us to further our goal of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes. The services that will be developed in The Gambia over the next few years will benefit so many people, enabling them to have their vision restored and to live independent and productive lives.”

This partnership is expected to serve 80,000 people.