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We are a UK-based charity founded in 2001. Our aim is to support sight programmes in the developing world in the fight to eliminate to eliminate avoidable blindness.

Our activities have focused on Malawi in southern Africa  where Ophthalmologists and Optometrists from the UK have been involved in supporting the Malawi training programme of eye specialists eye since 2008. 
We are also actively involved with our partners in school vision screening.

'I am passionate about the training and the provision of good quality affordable eye services where it matters most-in the community'  Andrew Feyi-Waboso

Contact us

You may contact us: 

Trustee:  
Dr Andrew Feyi-Waboso   MBBS LLM FRCS                                  
Eye Department, Royal Gwent NHS Trust,
Aneurin Bevan Health Board,
Friars Road,                                                                 
Newport. Gwent NP20 2UB                                                       
Tel 01633 23844email: and4eye@gmail.com

Or  
Administrator:  

Dr John Lodge PhD
Tel 01291 673966 email: jeljsl@talktalk.net

How you can help

Can you help…areas of need

Raising awareness of what we are doing in Malawi helps us achieve  our goals

If you would like someone to talk to us about  Eye care in Africa and what we are doing please contact John Lodge or Andrew Feyi-Waboso.

Ideas and suggestions on running projects, training  eye health workers, and general helpful hints and inquiries are always welcome. Why not contact Andrew or John.

If you would like to make a donation why not contact us.

You may contact John Lodge, Administrator of 'Sight 2020 Direct' about your ideas or your donation. See contact page for details.

Blindness in Malawi -some facts and figures

Impact of Blindness in Malawi

Blindness has profound human and socio economic consequences everywhere. The costs
and impact on productivity, and rehabilitation and education of the blind constitute a 
significant economic burden, particularly in developing countries such as Malawi.

Blindness is often associated with lower life expectancy and a significant contributor 
to mortality in children.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT MAGNITUDE AND MAJOR CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN

MALAWI

With a population of 11.3 million people, and an estimated prevalence rate of blindness

of 1.0%2, Malawi has about 113,000 blind people in the country of which up to 80% of

all blindness is a result of five preventable or treatable conditions.

Cataract is a major cause of blindness contributing to 50% of all blindness. Other

estimates indicate that glaucoma contributes to 15%, Trachoma 15% and childhood

blindness resulting from congenital cataract, Vitamin A deficiency, Measles and harmful

traditional practices contributes 1%.

Cataract

The commonest cause of cataract is aging. Approximately 56,000 people are blind from

cataract and each year 10,000 people go blind due to cataract. Approximately 95% of

cataracts are treatable through ECCE‐ IOL surgical operation. 
Each operation costs about 20-30 USD

Trachoma

Trachoma is a disease related to poor hygiene which is linked with poverty.

It is endemic and non‐seasonal in most parts of Malawi.  Trachoma is the most common preventable
cause of blindness through general hygiene.

Active cases of trachoma are treated with tetracycline and surgery for trichiasis.

 Onchocerciasis

 Onchocerciasis rarely causes  blindness in Malawi.

Childhood Blindness

The major causes of childhood blindness in Malawi are corneal scars from measles,

vitamin A deficiency, harmful traditional practices and congenital cataract. There is an

estimated 11,000 blind children in Malawi (assuming a prevalence of 1 per 1000 children)

Refractive Errors

The estimated prevalence of significant refractive errors is 1% overall while in the age

group of 11‐16 years it is estimated to be 2%. Refractive errors are correctable through

improved access to spectacles.

Other Causes of Eye Problems:

Include HIV/AIDS related retinopathies, diabetic retinopathies and glaucoma. The prevalence of 
HIV/AIDS related and diabetic retinopathies are both on the increase with the increasing 
prevalence of HIV/AIDS and diabetes.   Currently HIV/AIDS related and diabetic retinopathies are not 
treatable in Malawi due to lack of facilities. 

The prevalence of glaucoma is estimated at 15% of all causes of blindness. It is a silent 
cause of blindness-like a 'thief in the night'. Glaucoma is currently treated through both medical  and surgical interventions. Diagnosis in Malawi is late with little one can do due to it's advanced progression at presentation.

About us

We collaborate with established institutions in Africa and assist where possible to help bring about change. This assistance ranges from visits by UK health personnel to teach and train to funding projects after a needs assessment has been undertaken. We are all professionals who volunteer our time and resources for the goal of providing better eye services in Malawi and Africa in general.

How it started

This was borne out of a desire to translate what I have learnt into something that would make  a difference in Africa.
A dream that one day others like me could in a small way could impact on the the lives of thousands elsewhere less fortunate.
In 2001 'Sight 2020 Direct' was registered as a charity to take the fight for sight to Africa. I had recently been appointed Consultant at The Royal Gwent NHS Trust, Newport, South Wales but felt incomplete. Friends and family supported me and 'Sight 2020 Direct' was born!