This morning, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, on behalf of the Director General of Health Services, officiated the handover of low vision equipment donated to 14 health facilities under the All We See Is Possibility (AWSIP) program, supported by Royal Dutch Vision of the Netherlands — a global center of expertise for the visually impaired.
Implemented in partnership with Kyambogo University since 2016, AWSIP has been instrumental in supporting children with low vision across 22 primary and 10 secondary schools in Uganda. Over the past decade, the program has:
- Trained 21 ophthalmic clinical officers in refraction and low vision therapy.
- Screened 10,939 learners, identifying 2,542 with low vision challenges.
- Provided 822 learners with devices to improve their sight and help them remain in school.
The latest donation includes low vision assessment kits to Mulago NRH, Jinja RRH, Gulu RRH, Moroto RRH, Kasese General Hospital, Ruharo Hospital, and teaching institutions Makerere and Kyambogo Universities.
Additionally, low vision screening kits will go to Kabale RRH, Soroti RRH, Lira RRH, Arua RRH, Tororo General Hospital, and Iganga General Hospital.
These facilities now have trained low vision therapists capable of assessing and prescribing appropriate interventions.
Dr. Kyabayinze, recalling his own work with the program in community health, commended AWSIP for its sustained contribution to Uganda’s health sector.
The AWSIP initiative, run by Visio International in collaboration with partners including Light for the World International, focuses on empowering young people with low vision or blindness.
Beyond clinical support, it emphasizes inclusion, adapted ICT training, and personal assistance — enabling visually impaired youth to pursue education, employment, and personal development.
