LOW VISION DEPARTMENT

What is Low Vision ?

It is a condition whereby the eyesight is reduced to an extent that a person is considered handicapped and yet not blind.  With appropriate support the person can use their vision for execution of tasks.

The Low Vision Project in Kenya was initiated in 1994.  The project is based at PCEA Kikuyu Eye Unit and works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education.  Children with visual impairments in Kenya are educated at six residential schools for the blind or at integrated programmes for the visually impaired. Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) sponsors the project and supports the six residential schools and two integrated programmes.

Aim
The general aim of the Low Vision Project is to ensure that children with low vision get the opportunity to use their reduced vision in the most effective way, so that they may live as independent as possible in the world of the sighted.

To achieve this aim the project objectives are:

• All persons with visual impairment are to be assessed.
• Deliver low vision services to enhance the vision of individuals.
• To donduct training for human resource personnel working with persons with low vision.

Activities of the project

1. Identification and assessment of persons with visual impairments in the low vision clinic at Kikuyu and during outreach work.
2. Organize medical and optical care for those in need.
3. Provision of low vision devices to children who require them in special schools and integrated programmes.
4. Training persons in the use of low vision devices.
5. Provision of guidance and counselling services.
6. Provision of early intervention and visual stimulation services to young children with low vision.

1. Provision of gudiance and counselling to persons related to those with visual impairments.
2. Training teachers and other professional to deliver better services in the field of Low Vision Therapy.
3. Working with parents and teachers to find ways of maximizing the visual potential of a child with low vision.

Achievements of the Project

During the first five years of operation, the project:

1. Developed categories of persons with visual impairments.
2. Developed assessment and training materials.
3. Opened a Low Vision Clinic in Kikuyu and an outreach Low Vision Clinic at Kwale.
4. Established eleven Low Vision Centres and supplied them with the necessary materials.
5. Established an early intervention programme as part of the services which benefits the pre-school children.
6. Enrolled adults and children for provision of support services.
7. Supplied optical and non-optilcal low vision devices to individuals.
8. Supplied Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs)
   to Low Vision Centres.
9. Trained parents on how to support their children with low vision in orientation and
   mobility, and activities of daily living skills.

project logo

blind school pupil

blind pupil using reading aid

Henry Wanyoike, visually impaired since the age of 21 and a Kenyan paralympics medallist in a previous function at the hospital.