Innovative software and data platform helping restore sight in Kenya

A new community eye health program in Kenya’s West Pokot County will use innovative software and data intelligence to improve access to eye health services to more than 40,000 people living with avoidable blindness.

International development organisation The Fred Hollows Foundation, the County Health Department and Peek Vision are driving the initiative to leverage technology and data in eye health to support of universal health coverage.

The new program will harness the high-quality, near real-time data provided by Peek’s tools to optimize eye care services in the county.

Through the use of smartphone vision screening tools, local eye health providers will be able to identify patients in the communities and more effectively track their pathway to treatment.

The software automatically sends text message reminders to people needing further treatment, ensuring better attendance at appointments and allowing health service providers  to access valuable data to improve efficiency and reach underserved populations.

Peek Vision Kenya Country Director Dr Hillary Rono said: “As an eye surgeon working in rural Kenya, I see firsthand every day the huge need for quality eye care.”

“The Fred Hollows Foundation is a leading eye health provider in the region, and we hope Peek’s vision screening software and data intelligence will help them connect even more people with life-changing treatment.”

The Fred Hollows Foundation Kenya Country Manager Peter Milo said: “The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to bringing quality eye care to every corner of Kenya.”

“By partnering with Peek Vision, we can ensure that the people of West Pokot receive the eye health services they need, when they need them.

“This program is a crucial step toward our broader mission of making eye care accessible for all through integration of technology and innovation.”

Peek Vision, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is a pioneer in using technology to strengthen eye health systems.

Originally developed in Kenya, Peek's tools are now used across Africa and Asia, helping millions of people access the eye care they need. 

In Kenya alone, Peek is working with the Ministry of Health, CBM Christian Blind Mission, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and other partners as part of the Vision Impact Project, a four-year initiative across seven counties designed to reduce avoidable visual impairment and blindness.

“Peek Vision was born out of the desire to make eye health services accessible and efficient, no matter where people live,” Dr Rono said.

“We are excited to collaborate with The County government of West Pokot and The Fred Hollows Foundation  to continue our work in transforming eye health services worldwide.”

The launch not only signifies a new era of eye care in West Pokot but also represents the first step in a wider partnership between The Fred Hollows Foundation and Peek Vision.

Media contact: Mark Maina, Global Communications Advisor, The Fred Hollows Foundation - mmaina@hollows.org