Date Started: May 2021

Date of Completion: May 2025

Funder: Eyu-Ethiopia, Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP), and Esillor Group

Aim: Establish self-reliant near vision impairment management services in rural Ethiopia through (a) integrated distribution of near vision correction spectacles by primary health care cadres, and (b) community contribution to the cost of spectacles.

Background

Presbyopia, an age-related near vision impairment (NVI), is one of the leading causes of visual impairment globally, affecting 1.8 billion people. This condition significantly reduces the quality of life, limits the ability to perform daily activities, and impacts work productivity, leading to substantial economic consequences for individuals and their families. 

Methods 

The IMPiRE project is being implemented in two phases: IMPiRE-I and IMPiRE-II. In IMPiRE-I, the safe and integrated distribution of near vision correction spectacles for people with presbyopia is being pilot-tested in rural Primary Health Centres. This initiative is embedded within the primary health care system and delivered by primary health care cadres in South Gojjam, West Gojjam, South Wollo, Oromia zones of Amhara region, in collaboration with the Amhara Region Health Bureau. In IMPiRE II, lessons learned from IMPiRE-I will inform the equitable scaling up of the service all over Amhara Region, and then to other regions in Ethiopia. IMPiRE-II includes research to evaluate the impact and efficiency of various service delivery models.

Progress

Between 2021 and 2024, Eyu-Ethiopia funded 1,600 spectacles to establish revolving funds at 10 priamry health centers. Of these, 1,245 spectacles were distributed to people in need in a revolving fund model, among which 18% were provided to females.