Let Our Children See
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
LOCS is a social enterprise that aims to restore productivity and independence in Kenya by integrating affordable reading glass distribution into the national health system through a network of trained Community Health Volunteers.
Operating out of Kisumu County, Kenya, the model integrates reading glass distribution into the existing national health system by transforming public health facilities into "reader access points". The venture will mobilize a network of trained Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) who will conduct home-based near-vision screenings and provide immediate correction or facility referrals. What truly sets LOCS apart is its sustainable, commission-based incentive structure for CHVs, which ensures consistent community outreach and financial viability without long-term donor dependency. This approach fills the critical gap left by sporadic marketplace screenings by providing a permanent, facility-anchored presence in rural areas.
Shadrack Muma and Mercy Viola serve as the visionary leaders of Let Our Children See (LOCS), an organization they established in 2025 to address critical gaps in vision care (presbyopia).
As the primary point of contact and Project Lead based in Kisumu, Shadrack oversees all pilot operations and high-level stakeholder engagement. Drawing on a decade of experience in vision access programs, he is responsible for the strategic integration of the model into public health facilities and the direct management of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs). His role is a full-time commitment, ensuring hands-on leadership as the initiative works to scale from the pilot phase to a nationwide model.
Based in Kisumu, Mercy serves as the Field Coordinator, managing the essential day-to-day operations required for a successful pilot. She handles the coordination between health facilities and CHVs, monitors stock levels for reading glasses, and ensures strict reporting compliance. With a proven track record in health program management and volunteer coordination, she dedicates the majority of her time to ensuring smooth daily activities and high-quality service delivery.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
Directly screen 7500 presbyopes within three months.
Use 50 CHVs to distribute 2500 reading glasses in three months.
Fundraise an additional $10,000 USD from other donors within three months.
FOUNDING TEAM
Shadrack Muma - Project Coordinator
Mercy Viola - Field Coordinator