The group trains government nurses to provide eyecare.
(Press Release) Vision for a Nation (VFAN) reached a significant milestone this month with the delivery of the 2 millionth eye screening in Rwanda.
Since 2012, the organization has trained 2,700 Rwandan Ministry of Health nurses to provide eyecare services at the country’s 502 local health centers.
VFAN has integrated the services within Rwanda’s national health system and pioneered various innovations, including a unique three-day training course for nurses and outreach to all 15,000 villages in Rwanda – with the support of USAID.
Theophile – a textile worker and mother of four – is one of the 2 million Rwandans to have been screened by a Vision for a Nation trained nurse.
Advertisement
“Now that I have these glasses, I am not worried [for my job] anymore,” she said. “The glasses help me in my job and that way I am able to continue to provide for my family.”
The founder of Vision for a Nation, James Chen, visited Nyanza District in Rwanda during the week that the 2 millionth screening was announced.
“It is testament to the extraordinary engagement by all levels of government, and the dedication of Rwanda’s healthcare workforce that we have achieved this milestone,” Chen said. “I am extremely proud of the work that Vision for a Nation has undertaken in support of Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. We are now planning to make Rwanda our Africa home, while taking our work and innovations to other countries.”
