Safe Eye Care for Women & Girls in Ethiopia

Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness, caused by repeated bacterial eye infections. Over time, it leads to scarring of the eyelids, forcing the eyelashes to turn inward and painfully scratch the eye. Without treatment, it can result in permanent blindness. Ethiopia bears 50% of the global burden, making it one of the most affected countries in the world.

Women and girls are especially vulnerable, as they are often the primary caregivers and have more frequent contact with infected children. Limited access to healthcare means they are less likely to receive treatment, putting them at a higher risk of blindness and lost opportunities for education and independence.

Aster, an Orbis-trained eye care worker, is helping to change this reality. Seven years ago, she turned her passion for helping others into a career that empowers women and girls through access to sight-saving care. "Helping people was a hobby for me in childhood. Now it is my work. I see myself as a change agent. I have a big responsibility in educating communities about hygiene, screening patients for infection, and providing treatment to tackle trachoma."

Since her training, Aster has performed over 200 eyelid surgeries, restoring vision and preventing blindness for those who might otherwise have lost their sight—many of them women and girls. She has also provided vital eye ointment to treat active infections, helping mothers and daughters like Selamimesh and Meaza fight trachoma before it causes permanent damage.

Thanks to your support, Orbis can continue training incredible health workers like Aster, ensuring more people receive the care they deserve.

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Shortly after Hoyte was born, Tesfanesh became anxious about her baby’s health when his eyes began watering, and he struggled to keep them open.

"It was frightening to see Hoyte suddenly unable to open his eyes. I felt overwhelmed with worry, fearing he might lose his vision," Tesfanesh shares.

Thankfully, access to basic eye care was nearby. Tesfanesh had heard about an Orbis screening project in her village and quickly took her newborn to get checked.

Living in the SNPPR region of Ethiopia, Tesfanesh was already familiar with trachoma, a common infectious disease in their community. Trachoma causes significant discomfort and, if untreated, can lead to permanent blindness.

After being screened by Orbis, Hoyte was diagnosed with active trachoma and promptly given a six-week course of antibiotics, free of charge, to stop the infection and protect his vision.

Did you know that women are more likely to contract trachoma? In fact, women are up to four times more likely to go blind, likely due to their close contact with infected children, which increases their risk of infection. By treating Hoyte, not only was his sight saved, but his mother, Tesfanesh, was also protected from getting infected.

Thanks to the support of our incredible Orbis like you, Hoyte now has the chance to grow up with healthy sight.

Together, we are making vital eye care accessible, treating and preventing  trachoma in communities across Ethiopia. Thank you!

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