On Thursday, Santé Initiative Uganda hosted a refresher training for Village Health Teams (VHTs). The goal went beyond technique. We wanted every VHT to understand why eye health matters: good vision shapes how people learn, work, earn a living and care for their families, yet many in our communities go without screening or glasses simply because services are far away. When VHTs understand the “why,” they serve with purpose and passion.
From Purpose to Practice
From there, they learned how to screen: setting up the 3-meter distance, using the near and distance vision charts, identifying who needs reading glasses, and knowing when to refer someone for further care. Each VHT left with a full screening kit vision charts, a 3-meter rope, a torch, a mirror, sanitizer and reading glasses for dispensing. They were also introduced to the Santé Initiative Uganda app, which will guide their screening and help capture data as they work in their communities.
Eye health is life-changing, and our Village Health Teams are leading the way.
Dr. Barry Derrick Abila
Ready for the Road Ahead
When trained, equipped and motivated community health workers lead the way, eye care reaches the people who need it most. We’re proud of our VHTs and excited for the impact ahead.
