READING GLASSES CHALLENGE; Kenya
PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Reading Glasses
Learn more about the Reading Glasses Challenge and how increasing access to non-prescription reading or working glasses can improve the livelihoods of those in need.
DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION
Clearsight Initiative empowers low-income presbyopic adults in Ethiopia by providing affordable, accessible reading eyeglasses through a sustainable, community-based distribution model.
Clearsight Initiative will combine multiple models based on geographic and demographic considerations. In urban areas, they will use the hub-and-spoke model with micro-entrepreneurs and in rural areas, they will rely on mobile clinics and self-adjustable vision kits.
Schools and community centers will act as year-round access points in both settings. They will integrate those models for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable distribution framework to make reading glasses accessible across diverse communities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and beyond.
The team combines Dr. Araya Yirga, a clinician and public health expert with more than 13 years of experience, including as Regional Public Health Services Director; Tr. Assefa Berhe, a teacher, top-selling books author and former head of a teachers' association; Sir Mulu Tekie, an ophthalmic nurse, with an extensive public service record including director of MNCH project at Moms fir Moms NGO; and Dr. Bereket Zeray, a university professor with Phd in Accounting and Finance and who has served as regional development bank advisor.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
Reach 1,000 presbyopic adults during our pilot phase by distributing 1,000 reading eyeglasses through trained sales agents in selected communities in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Distribute 1,000 proven reading eyeglasses to presbyopic adults during the pilot phase.
Raise up to $5,000 during the pilot phase by pursuing small grants, local contributions, and potential in-kind support.
FOUNDING TEAM
Dr. Araya Yirga - Founder
Tr. Assefa Berhe - Co-Founder
Sir Mulu Tekie - Co-Founder
Dr. Bereket Zeray - Co-Founder