By Zach Johnson | Project Manager
A Promising First Quarter for Our Newest Global Outreach Project
Beyond Borders is one of the newest projects under the umbrella of services we provide through our global outreach efforts. Officially launched in 2025, this initiative focuses on providing accessible, early vision screenings for children in underserved communities. The goal is simple but urgent: to identify children at risk for visual impairment—especially those who have never had access to eye care—and connect them to the support they need to thrive.
This project was born from the success of our 2024 pilot screenings in the United States and the Philippines, where we saw a clear and powerful result: vision screeners can identify life-changing conditions in children that would otherwise go unnoticed. These screenings are more than health checks—they are interventions that can affect a child’s academic performance, social development, and long-term quality of life. When a child can’t see, they can’t fully participate in school, play, or learn. But when we give them the gift of sight, we empower them, their families, and their communities.
Nicaragua Partnership: Ongoing Quarterly Screening with Clinica Medica
Our growing partnership with Clinica Medica in Jinotega, Nicaragua continues to be a cornerstone of Beyond Borders' operational rollout. In Q1, we screened 237 children across a full range of age groups. A strong majority—86.28%—passed, while 13.72% were referred for follow-up due to conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, anisometropia, and other visual axis concerns.
The Teen group (12–18) showed the highest rate of flagged screenings, though vision concerns were also notable in the Toddler and Pre-K groups. These quarterly screenings are designed not only to catch problems early, but to establish a culture of preventive vision care in the region. With Clinica Medica’s help, we are ensuring that children who need further evaluation are referred to optometrists or ophthalmologists in a timely manner.
India Mission Trip: Reaching Families Through Holistic Screening
In Q1 2025, we carried out a vision screening mission in India, where a total of 123 individuals were screened, including 56 children and young adults, and 67 adults—most of whom were caregivers or community members. Among the children, 44.64% failed their screening, a significant figure indicating the urgent need for follow-up care and eye health services.
The Grade School group (ages 5–12) showed the highest pass rate, while Toddlers, Pre-K, and Teens had higher failure rates, underscoring the importance of early and consistent screening in these age brackets. Among adults, over 50% were flagged for vision concerns—pointing to widespread unmet needs in adult vision health. When adults can see clearly, they can care for their children more effectively, earn an income, and remain engaged in their communities.
From Screening to Solutions: Building a Full Circle of Care
Identifying vision issues is only the first step. In Q1, we began establishing key partnerships with eye surgeons, optometrists, and glasses manufacturers to bridge the gap between screening and treatment. We believe every child who fails a vision screening deserves access to the care they need—whether it's a pair of prescription glasses or advanced medical intervention.
Our goal is to build a sustainable network of care so that no child is left untreated due to cost or geography. These partnerships are foundational to creating a long-term impact, helping us move Beyond Borders from a mobile screening program to a truly comprehensive vision care initiative.
Looking Ahead: Bringing Vision Screening to Kenya’s Largest Regional Hospital
We are excited to share that we are currently raising funds to place a Beyond Borders vision screener at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya—the largest hospital in its region. Tenwek has committed to screening children free of charge, and the facility has the capacity to reach hundreds of children each month. This would dramatically increase access to early vision care in a region where eye screenings are currently rare or unavailable.
With committed local partners, trained staff, and infrastructure in place, this opportunity is ready. What we need now is the final piece: financial support to fund the equipment, training, and startup costs.
Together, Let’s Make Early Vision Care Possible
This first quarter has been filled with growth, hope, and affirmation that Beyond Borders is meeting a real and urgent need. We’ve seen children light up after their first clear vision test, families express relief at finally understanding what their child needs, and local clinics grow in capacity to serve.
We are deeply grateful for those who have supported this vision—through funding, volunteering, and prayer. And as we look ahead, we know we can’t do it alone. We humbly ask for your continued support—every donation, large or small, helps us expand access to vision screenings and care for children who would otherwise be overlooked.
Together, we’re opening eyes and futures—one screening at a time.
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