Restoring Sight, Transforming Lives

Just a few months ago in May, and after much planning, an eye clinic was held at Arise School. The venture was the initiative of a highly experienced Optometrist, Niall McCormack, the founder of a small charity, Eyecare for Africa, set up in 2017 to provide real eye care to some of the most marginalised groups in Tanzania and other East African countries.

Although originally from St. Helens, here in Merseyside, Niall is based in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, where he has spent most of his adult life. In order to be able to raise the necessary funds to take his small team to Tanzania, in 2023, Niall and his supporters, walked the length of New Zealand – nearly 1,000 miles!

Many of the children at Arise School would never previously have had any access to eye care. We were particularly concerned that children from the poorest homes, including those who are sponsored and any who were experiencing difficulties in the classroom that might be sight related, should be able to take advantage of the clinic.

On arrival at Arise, Niall and his team quickly set up an examination area in the school grounds. Students were thrilled to have the opportunity to undergo eye examinations which, for some, resulted in them being fitted with glasses. One student who benefited in this way was Debora. This is what she wrote about her experience:

“My name is Debora. I come from Siha, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. I am in Standard 6 at Arise School. I live with my parents in a village called Ngarenairobi. I have two brothers. I want to express my sincere gratitude for the eye examination and spectacles provided. The examination has helped my parents and me to discover that I had an eye problem, which was affecting my ability to see properly in class. Without this intervention, my parents would not have known about my eye issues. Prior to the examination, I was struggling to see clearly, even when sitting at the front of the classroom. I had difficulty seeing the teacher’s writing on the blackboard, and this often led to me spelling words incorrectly due to the lack of proper vision. However, with the provided spectacles, I can now see properly. This has significantly contributed to my studies, as I no longer struggle to see the classroom materials. My parents are extremely thankful for this opportunity. They, along with myself, extend a heartfelt thank you for this life-changing assistance.”

Next year, Debora will be sitting her Grade 7 national examinations, a very important landmark for all Tanzanian students prior to their move to secondary school. We very much hope that the transformation Debora has experienced in her sight as a result of having her eyes screened now enables her to fully realise her potential when she comes to sit her exams.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Arise School and ACE, our very grateful thanks go to Niall, his team and all his supporters for their amazing efforts to make possible and carry out the eye clinic. They have clearly made such a very real and transformative difference to the lives of children in the Wiri community. Asante Sana.