New Research Shows Importance of Early Eye Screening

Recent research in Kenya underscores the critical value of early eye screening — especially among children and underserved communities — to prevent vision loss and improve long-term eye health outcomes. According to a study reported by The Star in April 2025, a school-based eye screening initiative involving 730 children and 92 school staff revealed that 20% of pupils had low visual acuity, and 30% exhibited other eye conditions (e.g., allergies, photophobia) that are not just refractive. The study’s authors stress that without these screenings, many eye issues would go undetected, potentially hampering educational performance and social participation.
Experts also refer to community-based models that have proven particularly effective. One major example is the Peek Community Eye Health system, which uses a smartphone‑based screening app to identify people with visual problems at the household level. A large randomized trial in Trans Nzoia County demonstrated that this system nearly tripled the number of people attending primary care for eye problems and increased appropriate referrals to hospital services. The study shows how mobile health technology can make eye care more accessible in rural areas, especially where traditional screening and referral systems are limited.
A more recent equity analysis in Meru County adds to the evidence base, showing that when community eye services are embedded with sociodemographic data collection, healthcare planners can better identify which population groups face persistent barriers in accessing treatment. The research argues that early screening programs must be designed with equity in mind — so that poor, remote, or marginalized communities are not left behind.
Given these findings, advocates are pushing for more government investment in eye screening as part of primary healthcare. They argue that catching eye problems early — through school, community, and primary care screening — is not just about preventing blindness, but also about supporting children’s learning, promoting social inclusion, and reducing long-term healthcare costs.