CHURCHES in Africa are working with the charity VisionSpring to screen 45,000 people and give 21,000 pairs of glasses this year to those in need of them in Uganda.
VisionSpring, based in the United States, is providing two-day programmes of training in screening for churches and other organisations. The church-partnership model was piloted in Zambia in June 2023, before being extended to Malawi and Uganda.
Uganda has a shortage of eye-care professionals: fewer than 40 ophthalmologists serve more than 50 million people, the charity says. The Church of Uganda manages more than 256 health facilities, which include 15 hospitals and 119 health centres.
Some 80 per cent of VisionSpring’s “customers” live on less than $4 (£3) per day.
Tumwesigye Jackson, a 62-year-old tailor in the town of Rukungiri, in Uganda, described the difference that glasses had made to him. “Before I got the reading glasses, threading a needle had become one of the hardest parts of my work,” he said.
“I would struggle for several minutes, get frustrated, and sometimes delay customers’ clothes because my eyes could no longer see clearly. But, after using the readers, everything changed. I can now thread needles quickly, sew neatly, and work for longer hours without straining. These glasses have not only improved my eyesight: they have also improved my business and confidence. I now serve more customers in a day, and earn better income to support my family.”
The director of health services for the Church of Uganda, Angala Ochieng Stephen, said: “Reading glasses are more than a tool for clearer vision — they restore dignity, productivity, and independence. For many clergy, teachers, farmers, tailors, and small-business owners, being able to read again means being able to work confidently, serve others effectively, and provide for their families. The role of the Church is going beyond spreading the word of God and contributing to people’s livelihoods.”
The Archdeacon of Nakasongola, the Ven. Samuel Saka, in Uganda, said that, being “called to read the Bible daily and faithfully preach the gospel”, he found clear vision essential. “Reading glasses do not weaken sight. Rather, they restore near vision and enable many of us to continue serving effectively in ministry and daily work. Through this support, our congregation is able to remain productive, earn a living, and improve or maintain their household incomes.”
Julius Mujuni, the Uganda country lead at VisionSpring, said: “Clear vision is a critical livelihood intervention. Without it, many people cannot carry out everyday tasks such as reading, sewing, farming activities like hand pollination of vanilla, or sorting seeds. As vision deteriorates, people often lose their income, become dependent on others, their work time is limited, and they are forced to step back from their roles in their families and communities.”
Mr Mujuni continued: “By identifying those in need, distributing glasses, and raising awareness about eye health, we’re helping people regain the ability to work, extending their livelihood and their ability to support their families, and participate fully in daily life. A simple pair of glasses can restore more than sight: it restores dignity, independence, and the ability to earn a living.”