Why Solice.org?

Visual impairment is a prevalent issue among children worldwide, with its incidence on the rise. While a significant number of cases can be solved with eyeglasses, especially in lower-income countries, there is a lack in school-based programs designed to screen and provide eyeglasses to children with visual impairments. Children who lack access to vision correction encounter numerous challenges in their education and with social development. Their school enrollment, educational progress, and learning outcomes are hindered as they struggle to see what their teachers are teaching or writing on the blackboard, often in poorly lit classrooms. Without eyeglasses for those in need, learning becomes problematic compared to their peers. Additional social implications of poor eyesight can multiply the educational challenges seen with this problem.

In a study sponsored by the World Bank, they conducted a study titled "Looking Ahead: Visual Impairment and School Eye Health Programs," focusing primarily on sub-Saharan Africa comparing this to other countries. The research showed that, even after accounting for other factors affecting educational outcomes, children with visual impairments are five to seven percentage points less likely to enroll in school, complete primary education, or achieve literacy compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Data from PASEC (Programme d'analyse des systèmes éducatifs de la Confemen) for 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa indicate significant learning challenges in primary schools for such children.

Unfortunately, current program coverage rates remain low according to the study. Using the PASEC data shows that that only 4.8 percent of second grade students and 7.3 percent of sixth grade students received vision screenings. The mission and goal of Solice.org is not to address all of the problems of sub-Saharan Africa, but rather to focus on a single problem, in a single population: eyeglasses to children in need in sub-Saharan Africa. If we can improve the educational and social standing of a single child, we have succeeded. What differentiates our mission from Lyons Club eyeglasses campaign (www.lionsclubs.org) is a simple one - we screen children for eye problems, and custom make through corporate partnerships, laser engrave them with their names, and give them two identical pairs of glasses that they can use. The glasses we use are designed to be tough, nearly unbreakable, and should last for 1-3 years. We work through schools who provide our ‘eyes on the ground’ to provide the facility, staff and most importantly, a population of children we can work with.

-Madeline Mason, Cofounder, Solice.org