A new community eye health program in Kenya’s West Pokot County will use innovative software and data intelligence to improve access to eye health services for more than 40,000 people living with avoidable blindness.
The Fred Hollows Foundation, the County Health Department and Peek Vision are driving the initiative to leverage technology and data in eye health to support universal health coverage.
The new program will harness the high-quality, near-real-time data provided by Peek’s tools to optimise eye care services in the county.
Through the use of smartphone vision screening tools, local eye health providers will be able to identify patients in the communities and more effectively track their pathways to treatment.
The software automatically sends text message reminders to people needing further treatment, ensuring better attendance at appointments and allowing health service providers to access valuable data to improve efficiency and reach underserved populations.
“As an eye surgeon working in rural Kenya, I see firsthand every day the huge need for quality eye care,” said Peek Vision Kenya Country Director Dr Hillary Rono.
“The Fred Hollows Foundation is a leading eye health provider in the region, and we hope Peek’s vision screening software and data intelligence will help them connect even more people with life-changing treatment.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation Kenya Country Manager Peter Milo highlighted that The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to bringing quality eye care to every corner of Kenya.
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“By partnering with Peek Vision, we can ensure that the people of West Pokot receive the eye health services they need when they need them.”
“This program is a crucial step toward our broader mission of making eye care accessible for all through integration of technology and innovation.”
Originally developed in Kenya, Peek’s tools are now used across Africa and Asia, helping millions of people access the eye care they need.
In Kenya alone, Peek is working with the Ministry of Health, CBM Christian Blind Mission, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and other partners as part of the Vision Impact Project, a four-year initiative across seven counties designed to reduce avoidable visual impairment and blindness.
“Peek Vision was born out of the desire to make eye health services accessible and efficient, no matter where people live,” said Dr Rono.
“We are excited to collaborate with The County Government of West Pokot and The Fred Hollows Foundation to continue our work in transforming eye health services worldwide.”
The launch not only signifies a new era of eye care in West Pokot but also represents the first step in a wider partnership between The Fred Hollows Foundation and Peek Vision.