Jane Waithera's childhood memories in a Kenyan village lack clarity because good vision was a luxury few could afford. Today, she holds a Master's degree in Organizational Development. Her journey from a struggling student to a successful professional demonstrates the profound impact that something as basic as a pair of eyeglasses can have on a person’s life.
Growing up, Jane remembers the daily struggle of trying to see the blackboard at school. She often had to hold her book just inches from her face to read, drawing ridicule from classmates and reprimands from teachers who mistook her poor eyesight for a lack of effort.
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In Jane’s village, residents lacked access to eye care. When she was ten, a mobile eye clinic visited her village—and everything changed. “That was the first time someone told my grandmother that I needed eyeglasses,” she recalls. Yet while the diagnosis brought clarity, it also marked the beginning of a new set of challenges.
At the time, Jane and her family were struggling to make ends meet—putting food on the table was the priority, and eyeglasses were out of reach. “The hospital later ran a low vision programme, and they provided me with my first pair of eyeglasses,” she recalls. That small intervention changed everything. “I would never have stayed in school. I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Today, Jane is a champion for expanding access to vision correction services and affordable eyeglasses, particularly in underserved communities. She firmly believes that “every child, no matter where they are born, should have access to basic eye screenings and the optical devices they need.”
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When asked about the most urgent improvements needed today, Jane is clear: “Ensuring universal access to eyeglasses will boost people’s confidence and productivity—and it has a direct impact on the global economy,” she says. With so many individuals in need of vision correction, she warns that failing to address the issue amounts to a massive loss of human potential.
Jane emphasizes that eyeglasses do more than support learning or job performance—they also contribute to a person’s sense of pride and dignity in everyday life. “Sundays are for family, caring for the kids, cooking, and cleaning. There’s no extra time for doctor visits,” she explains. “But when your vision is blurry, everything becomes harder. The things you want to do just don’t get done.”
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For Jane, the message is simple: access to a basic pair of eyeglasses can unlock opportunities for education, employment, and self-confidence. The impact, she says, extends far beyond the individual—transforming families and entire communities.
Myopia or shortsightedness is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are seen clearly. It often begins in childhood and can worsen over time. Eyeglasses are the most effective, affordable, and immediate solution for correcting myopia. Other treatments include contact lenses or surgery. While myopia can't always be prevented, early detection through regular eye exams can reduce its impact. Spending more time outside and cutting back on screens as a kid might slow it down.
In underserved communities, cost and availability of eye care services allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Outreach eye clinics and low-vision programmes, like the one Jane used, help bring care to families in need in remote or lower-income areas.
This story was developed based on an interview conducted and photographed by Light for the World.