Kenya Cataract Project

The project is implemented through a partnership led by LAICO (Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology) and the Aravind Eye Care System, with the Kenya Society for the Blind KSB serving as one of the implementing partners. By leveraging international best practices and local expertise, the project is improving access to comprehensive cataract care for communities that would otherwise face barriers to treatment.

Project Coverage
KSB is implementing the project across the Nairobi Metropolitan Region, covering Nairobi County, Kiambu County, Kajiado County, and Machakos County.
The project focuses on increasing access to quality cataract services through community outreach, patient identification, referral, surgery, and post-operative follow-up.

Comprehensive Cataract Care
A key feature of the Kenya Cataract Project is its patient-centred approach that extends beyond surgery. Eligible patients receive:
• Free cataract screening and comprehensive eye assessment.
• Free, high-quality cataract surgery.
• Post-operative review and follow-up care.
• Free prescription spectacles after surgery, where clinically indicated.
The provision of post-surgical spectacles is a unique component of the project, ensuring patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes and can fully benefit from restored sight.

KSB’s Role and Impact
As one of the implementing partners, the Kenya Society for the Blind plays a critical role in community mobilization, patient identification and referrals, coordination of cataract services, surgical outreach, patient follow-up, and public awareness on avoidable blindness.
Since joining the project, KSB has facilitated more than 1,000 cataract surgeries, helping restore vision and improve the quality of life of individuals across the Nairobi Metropolitan Region. Restored sight enables beneficiaries to regain their independence, return to work, continue their education, support their families, and actively participate in their communities.