Prevent Blindness in Children Without Access

Beyond Borders

Changing Pediatric Care in Kenya

Since December 2025, Tenwek Hospital in Kenya has conducted an unbelievable 495 pediatric vision screenings, marking the first official report from Tenwek under this initiative. In such a short span of time, this level of outreach is truly remarkable. Of the 495 children screened, 214 passed their vision screening while 274 were identified as needing further evaluation, reflecting that approximately 56% of children screened required follow-up care. These findings highlight both the tremendous need for pediatric eye care services and the critical importance of early detection. Without screenings like these, many of these children would likely have continued struggling with undiagnosed vision problems affecting their learning and daily activities.

Among the children who did not pass the screening, refractive errors were the most common findings. Astigmatism was identified in approximately 47% of failed screenings, closely followed by myopia (nearsightedness) at about 45%. Gaze and eye alignment concerns were present in nearly 20% of cases, while hyperopia (farsightedness) accounted for roughly 12%. It’s important to note that these percentages add up to more than 100% because many children had more than one condition at the same time—for example, a child could have both myopia and astigmatism, or a refractive error along with a gaze problem. This overlap shows the complexity of vision issues that can easily go unnoticed without proper assessment. These numbers clearly demonstrate that a significant proportion of students were trying to learn while coping with blurred vision, focusing difficulties, or alignment problems—challenges that can easily be mistaken for lack of attention or academic disinterest.

Transforming Lives

One particularly moving story reflects the impact of this work. A seven-year-old boy from a small village had quietly struggled in school for months. Sitting in the back row, he assumed that blurred chalk writing, fuzzy faces, and daily headaches were normal experiences. His teachers believed he was distracted, and his parents thought he simply lacked interest in his studies. After a teacher referred him for an eye examination at the hospital, it became clear that he could not read even the largest letters on the chart. During refraction, trial lenses were gently placed before his eyes and adjusted one by one until, suddenly, the letters came into sharp focus. He had uncorrected myopia and received his first pair of glasses the following week.

The change was immediate and transformative. With his new glasses, he could clearly see the blackboard for the first time, watch television without squinting, and his persistent headaches disappeared. His confidence in the classroom grew, and both his teachers and parents noticed a renewed enthusiasm for learning. Perhaps equally important, the experience educated his family about the value of routine eye examinations. They had previously believed children only needed vision checks if they complained and held the misconception that children should not wear glasses. This single screening not only restored a child’s sight but reshaped a family’s understanding of eye health.

Changing Lives Through Early Detection

This project has clearly shown that these efforts are changing lives. Out of 495 children screened, 274 needed further evaluation, highlighting a significant unmet need. Nearly half of these cases involved astigmatism, and a similar number involved myopia, conditions that are easily treatable but often go undetected. Each screening gives a child the chance to see clearly, participate confidently in class, and avoid unnecessary learning barriers.

Beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply personal. Early identification, family education, and timely interventions empower children, parents, and teachers alike. Tenwek Hospital’s work is not just about exams—it is about building a culture of eye health, strengthening classrooms, and transforming futures. The results from Kenya demonstrate that dedicated screening efforts can make a real, lasting difference in children’s lives.

Links:

• To learn more about Bethel click here

• Tenwek Hospital Eye Screening Report (PDF)
  

Nicaragua: Early Detection, Lifelong Impact

As Bethel continues to transform lives in China, our Beyond Borders Initiative extends that same mission of hope and healing around the world. This quarter, our Nicaraguan Project made significant strides in advancing early eye care for children in underserved regions — proving once again how critical early detection can be.

In our most recent outreach, 490 children were screened, with 65 referred for further evaluation. Among them was a six-year-old diagnosed with optic nerve inflammation — a condition identified and treated early thanks to timely referral. Another young child’s visual axis disorder was discovered to be worsening despite corrective lenses, prompting immediate specialist care.

Each of these stories highlights the life-changing power of early eye screenings. Behind every statistic is a child whose future is being rewritten — a future filled with learning, play, and opportunity. With continued support, Bethel is determined to expand these screenings and provide essential treatment to even more children worldwide. Every screening brings a child one step closer to a brighter, healthier future.

Vision Screener 2: New Partnership with Tenwek Hospital

We’re excited to share that Vision Screener 2, previously utilized in India, has found its next mission home — Tenwek Hospital in Kenya. Through a newly signed partnership, Bethel will collaborate with Tenwek’s dedicated staff to bring free eye screenings to underprivileged children in the region.

Training for hospital staff is already underway, ensuring sustainable, community-led care long after the initial deployment.

Tenwek Hospital is one of East Africa’s most respected medical centers, known for its commitment to compassionate care and innovation. Its pediatric ward accommodates 40 beds and several private or isolation rooms designed for young patients needing specialized attention. A multidisciplinary team works around the clock to ensure that each child’s medical, emotional, and social needs are met before they return home. Common conditions treated at Tenwek range from respiratory and infectious diseases to surgical and chronic health issues — and now, with Bethel’s support, preventable childhood blindness will be part of that list no more.

Together, we’re building capacity, empowering healthcare teams, and expanding access to sight-saving care.

Vision Screener 3: The Next Step Forward

As our global mission grows, we’re preparing for the next chapter — the launch of Vision Screener 3. This device represents more than advanced technology; it’s a tool of prevention and hope.

Early detection of vision problems can transform a child’s future — enabling them to succeed in school, interact with confidence, and pursue their dreams unhindered by preventable blindness. With Vision Screener 3, we’ll be able to identify vision issues even before symptoms appear, reaching children who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

We’re currently raising funds to make this next deployment possible. Your partnership can help bring sight-saving care to thousands more children around the world. Because when a child sees clearly, their world — and their future — opens wide.

Links:

• Click here to learn more about Bethel's Mission.