Through Qatar Creating Vision — a project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and implemented by Orbis — these frontline heroes are screening thousands of children for eye conditions, spotting possible issues early, leading to treatment that can help prevent blindness.
Beating Blindness with Wellies and Bikes in the Copperbelt
In the rural areas of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, a dedicated team of Community Eye Health Champions is making a life-changing impact, ensuring children receive the vital eye care they need.
The Qatar Creating Vision Initiative
Our Community Eye health Champions brave rain or shine, to provide vital eye care to the children of their communities
Nearly half of Copperbelt province’s population lives in rural areas, where accessing eye care remains a challenge. With 40% of the region’s 2.5 million residents under the age of 15, the need for accessible, early eye screenings has never been greater.
In 2025, Zambia faced its worst drought in 40 years, which was recently broken by heavy rainfall. No matter the weather, Community Eye Health Champions are out on the road delivering sight-saving care to ensure no child is left behind. Come rain or shine, they travel long distances — often by bicycle — wearing wellington boots and raincoats provided by the project to reach children in need of assistance.
The bikes provided to the project help our champions to reach their destination
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What Has Been Achieved so Far?
Since the project began, the impact has been vast with 105,000+ children screened for eye conditions. These eye tests have led to:
1,300+
life-changing surgeries performed
4,100+
pairs of glasses prescribed
790+
frontline health workers and teachers trained to identify eye conditions
145
community film screenings and radio programs to spread awareness about eye health
Community Eye Health Champions
Early detection is critical. Without swift intervention, untreated eye conditions in children can lead to permanent vision loss, affecting their education, opportunities, and future livelihoods. Thanks to the dedication of these Community Eye Health Champions, thousands of children now have the chance to see clearly and achieve their full potential.
“Seeing children with sight challenges used to weigh heavily on me, but now, through the resources and support provided by this project, I can finally make a meaningful difference. The work I do not only changes the lives of countless children, but also brings hope and awareness to my community, showing how vital vision is to achieving one’s full potential.”Mum, Community Eye Health Champion
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“Providing these frontline workers with the tools and support they need ensures that no matter the circumstances, children can receive life-changing eye care,” said Andrew Wardle, Institutions & Networking Lead at Orbis UK. “Their commitment is an inspiration, and their work is shaping a brighter future for Zambia’s next generation.”
