#Kenya #Nairobi #RestoringVision #Github Foundation #Presbyopia Program

RestoringVision and GitLab Foundation: A Partnership for Vision Improvement

RestoringVision, a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on improving global eyesight, has recently obtained a remarkable grant worth $633,000 from the GitLab Foundation. This significant funding marks a crucial milestone, as it is the first time GitLab Foundation has extended its financial support to a health organization. The purpose of this grant is to enhance RestoringVision's operations in Kenya, a country where presbyopia, an age-related decline in close-up vision, is a prevalent issue among adults. Fortunately, this condition is easily treatable with a pair of eyeglasses.

Kenya is among the initial nations participating in the Africa Clear Sight Partnership, a collaborative initiative initiated by RestoringVision in 2023 together with the Africa Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP). This partnership aims to deliver effective vision programs throughout faith-based health systems in Africa, targeting wider audiences. By collaborating with the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) and the Kenya Council of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), RestoringVision endeavors to extend its services to an additional 200,000 individuals in rural, underserved areas of Kenya, thanks to the support from GitLab Foundation. The funds will also facilitate a study aimed at assessing how reading glasses influence productivity, income, and the overall quality of life for those suffering from presbyopia.

Ellie Bertani, CEO of GitLab Foundation, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "Clear, sharp vision is critical in most endeavors, and contributes to worker success and overall well-being, with a proven link to income growth. This work will unlock countless opportunities for people in Kenya to increase their earnings, contribute to their communities, and pursue their dreams." This statement highlights the belief that improved eyesight can have a profound impact on individuals' lives, paving the way for enhanced opportunities in different areas, including employment and education.

The necessity for better eye care is being recognized globally, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global SPECS Network 2030, which advocates for accelerated action to ensure access to high-quality, affordable vision services tailored to essential needs. A recent report from The Lancet Global Health revealed that two out of three individuals in low-income countries needing corrective eyewear don’t have access to it. It also pointed out that existing efforts to combat this issue fall short of adequately addressing the demand for vision correction.

Pelin Munis, Ph.D., CEO of RestoringVision, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving access to near-vision eyeglasses for all those in need: "In Kenya, where it is estimated that over 3.9 million people living in poverty require near-vision glasses to correct presbyopia, GitLab Foundation's support will allow us to have a measurable impact on the lives of those engaged in vision-intensive work, such as farmers, teachers, tailors, mechanics, and others." Here, RestoringVision is pledging its dedication to tackling the global vision crisis by prioritizing accessible and essential vision tools for economically disadvantaged populations.

About RestoringVision

Founded in 2003, RestoringVision has been on a mission to address the vision crisis, with a special emphasis on presbyopia, the world’s most common cause of vision impairment affecting approximately 826 million people. By providing essential vision screening and access to near vision eyeglasses to those living on less than $2 a day, the organization aims to unleash the potential that lies at the intersection of health, education, and livelihood. Over the years, RestoringVision has positively impacted the lives of over 34 million people across 150 countries, advocating for better eyesight and improved living standards.

About GitLab Foundation

The GitLab Foundation's primary objective is to empower individuals to enhance their long-term earnings through economic mobility, the utilization of emerging technologies, and the creation of work opportunities on a global scale. The foundation envisions a world where at least one million more people can afford a better life, thereby striving to influence positive change through financial support and resource allocation.

As both organizations embark on this journey, the collaborative efforts to tackle vision impairment in Kenya stand as a beacon of hope for many looking to improve their lives and communities. By unlocking the power of clear sight, RestoringVision and GitLab Foundation are paving the way towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their aspirations, free from the challenges posed by poor eyesight.