In many Ugandan communities, silent killers like hypertension and diabetes are fueling the rise in blindness and poor vision. These conditions often go undetected until they begin to damage the eyes and by then, the harm may already be significant.
That’s why Santé Initiative Uganda takes an integrated approach. During our eye health outreaches, we don’t just check eyes we also screen for hypertension and diabetes.
The Data Speaks for Itself
Among adults aged 40 and above presenting with eye-related conditions, NCDs were highly prevalent. This tells us something important: eye health cannot be treated in isolation. When someone comes to us with a vision problem, it may be the first sign of a deeper health issue that needs attention.
This integrated model is how we work towards ending avoidable blindness: by treating the whole person, not just the eye.
Wasswa Quraish
Closing the Loop on Referral and Follow-Up
To close the loop, we’ve built stronger referral and follow-up systems within communities so that patients screened are linked to care and do not get lost after the outreach. Screening alone is not enough what matters is that people receive the care they need and stay connected to it.
This integrated model is how we work towards ending avoidable blindness: by treating the whole person, not just the eye.
