Training Teachers to Save Sight

For many children Orbis works with, school is where vision problems are first discovered. That’s why we want to take a moment to recognise the dedicated, hardworking teachers who play a crucial role in identifying and addressing eye health issues among their students.

When it comes to detecting vision problems in young children, it’s often the adults around them who first notice something isn’t quite right. At home, parents, siblings, and other family members may notice signs through play or communication. However, many eye conditions only become apparent when a child starts school, where reading, writing, and even social interactions rely heavily on clear vision.

Teachers are often the first to recognise these challenges. A child struggling to read from the blackboard, holding books too close, or having difficulty engaging in class may be experiencing vision problems. Without early intervention, minor issues can escalate, affecting a child's learning and overall development.

To address these challenges, Orbis partners with schools worldwide, including in Ethiopia, to integrate vision care into the learning environment. Our work includes conducting refractive error screenings to identify children in need of glasses, ensuring those who require them wear them, and training teachers to recognise early signs of vision problems.

Teachers play a key role in spotting vision problems early, ensuring children get the care they need. Integrating eye health into schools helps prevent small issues from becoming major barriers to learning.

In Ethiopia, we are tackling trachoma—a painful, blinding eye infection—by equipping teachers with primary eye care and vision screening skills. Through our training programs, teachers can:

• Detect the early signs of eye disease and refer students for treatment before it’s too late.
• Lead school-based eye care clubs, where students learn proper eye care practices and the importance of hygiene in preventing trachoma.
• Empower students to educate their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of knowledge that helps curb the spread of eye infections.

Banchi, a dedicated biology teacher in Ethiopia, is one of the many teachers making a significant impact. Thanks to Orbis-supported training in primary eye care, she can now diagnose conditions, identify symptoms of trachoma, cataracts, and refractive errors, and refer students for treatment. Her efforts are changing lives, ensuring that children receive the care they need to thrive in school and beyond.

None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you - on behalf of everyone at Orbis whom you have helped.

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