Clear vision, safe work: investing in eye care for a strong workforce
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Eye Care Foundation (ECF) highlights the crucial role of clear vision in the workplace. Workers, public officials, and healthcare staff form the backbone of every community. Their ability to see clearly is essential not only for their own safety, but also for the stability of the entire eye care system.
According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide lack access to the eye care they need. Over 826 million people struggle with daily activities and income opportunities due to something as simple as not having reading glasses. Eyeglasses are a powerful tool: they improve quality of life and, as shown by the PROSPER study, can increase worker productivity by up to 32%.
This is how ECF is working towards strong and healthy workforces in our project countries:
Cambodia: Clear Vision Workplaces (CVW)
In partnership with VisionSpring and Deckers, ECF is bringing the Clear Vision Workplaces programme to Cambodia. This initiative delivers essential eye care directly at factory workplaces.
Impact: building on successful programmes in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, more than 670,000 workers have already been screened and 258,000 people have received glasses.
Goal: an estimated 40% of factory workers in Cambodia need glasses. Of the 4,600 workers already screened, around 2,000 people will be able to see clearly again thanks to eyeglasses.
Read more about our partnership in Cambodia >
Nepal: Eye care for those who protect us
The police and local authorities form the foundation of a safe society in Nepal. While they work tirelessly to protect others, their own health, especially their vision, is often overlooked.
Action: over the past year, ECF organised eye screening camps for police officers in Pokhara, Baglung, Mugu, Gorkha, Surkhet, and Kathmandu.
Sustainability: we continue to conduct monthly screenings in remote areas to ensure this essential workforce can perform at their best.
Tanzania: Strengthening traditional health workers
Traditional healers play a vital role in African communities and are often the first point of contact for healthcare.
Project: with government support, ECF launched a pilot to train these providers in early detection and referral of eye conditions.
Future: thanks to the Dam tot Dam Run 2023 and our generous donors, more than 240 traditional healers have been trained, helping patients access specialised care more quickly.
Discover how we work with traditional healers >
Vietnam: The STABLE Project
Road safety is workplace safety. The STABLE project (Safer Two-wheeler Accidents reduction through Better eye care) focuses on reducing traffic accidents by improving vision among students and young workers.
Innovation: using the WHOeyes app, young people gain insight into their eye health and are encouraged to take action.
Safety: by combining digital innovation with clinical expertise, we contribute to safer mobility for the next generation of Vietnam’s workforce.
Read more about the STABLE project >
Every pair of glasses we provide and every health worker we train brings us closer to a safer and more productive world. Investing in eye health means investing in the future of entire communities.
Contribute and make a lasting difference.
