Why eye health is a public health concern in Africa and the need to intensify care

By Pauline Ongaji

From bustling urban centres to growing peri-urban communities, millions of people in Africa endure visual impairments that could be corrected or managed with relatively simple interventions.

The issue is no longer confined to rural areas or older populations. Instead, it is evolving alongside demographic shifts, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles, making it a continent-wide concern with economic, educational, and social consequences.

The extent of vision problems across the continent is significant, though often underestimated. Many individuals experience refractive errors, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism, that can be corrected with prescription glasses. However, delayed diagnosis remains a persistent issue.

In many cases, people adapt to poor vision without realising that improvement is possible. Others may notice changes but delay seeking care due to uncertainty about where to go or what the process involves. The result is a large segment of the people with avoidable visual limitations that affect daily productivity and quality of life.

This has broader implications beyond individual health. Poor vision can impact learning outcomes in schools, reduce efficiency in the workplace, and even affect safety in environments that require precision and awareness.

While affordability is often cited as a key barrier to accessing eye care, the reality is more complex. Access, awareness, and perception all play equally important roles.

In some regions, physical access to eye care services remains limited, particularly in underserved areas. Even where services are available, awareness gaps persist. The biggest challenge is that many people do not prioritise eye care until symptoms become severe, by which time the condition may already be affecting their daily activities.

There is also a behavioural component. Preventive care is not yet deeply embedded in healthcare habits across much of the continent. Unlike routine visits for other aspects of health, eye check-ups are often reactive rather than proactive.

To address these challenges, providers like Optica are experimenting with models designed to lower barriers. For instance, more flexible pricing structures, affordable product options, and ongoing access to eye testing services are being introduced to encourage earlier engagement with care. These approaches aim to shift eye health from an occasional necessity to a regular habit.

This is particularly beneficial to Africa as the continent’s rapid urbanisation continues to reshape lifestyles in ways that directly influence eye health. For instance, as more people move into cities and adopt digitally driven work and leisure patterns, new risk factors are emerging.

Increased screen time is one of the most notable changes. Whether for work, education, or entertainment, prolonged exposure to digital devices is contributing to eye strain and related conditions. Combined with reduced time spent outdoors and greater exposure to environmental factors such as dust and pollution, urban living is creating a different set of visual health challenges.

Eye care professionals often recommend simple practices to mitigate these effects, such as the widely known “20-20-20 rule”: For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, take 20 seconds to focus on an object approximately 20 metres away. While straightforward, such habits are not yet widely adopted, highlighting the need for greater public awareness.

Clinics across urban centres are increasingly reporting cases of digital eye strain and early-stage vision problems, trends that were less common a decade ago.

Perhaps one of the most striking developments is the rise in vision issues among younger people. Children and young adults are now presenting with symptoms that were previously more associated with older age groups.

This shift is closely linked to screen usage patterns. Extended hours spent on smartphones, tablets, and computers, often without breaks, are placing sustained strain on developing eyes. In educational settings, this can affect concentration, comprehension, and overall academic performance.

Left unaddressed, early vision problems can have long-term consequences, influencing not only educational outcomes but also future employability and productivity. This makes early detection and intervention particularly important for younger populations.

But despite growing awareness, preventive eye care remains underutilised. Many individuals still view eye examinations as something to pursue only when symptoms become disruptive.

Changing this mind-set requires both education and accessibility. Public health messaging needs to emphasise the value of early detection, while service providers must ensure that routine check-ups are convenient and affordable.

However, there are signs of gradual change. As more people experience the benefits of early diagnosis, whether through improved comfort, productivity, or quality of life, attitudes toward routine eye care are beginning to shift.

Private eye care providers like Optica are playing an important role in expanding access and improving service delivery across the continent. Their ability to invest in infrastructure, adopt new technologies, and scale operations, allows them to complement public healthcare systems.

By establishing clinics in diverse locations, including emerging urban and peri-urban areas, private providers are helping to bring services closer to communities. In addition, they often introduce innovations in customer experience, from streamlined consultations to integrated retail and clinical services. When effectively integrated into the broader healthcare ecosystem, these efforts can significantly enhance overall access to care and reduce the burden on public facilities.

Technology is also beginning to reshape how eye care is delivered. In regions where specialist services are scarce, digital solutions are offering new possibilities. Mobile screening units, tele-optometry consultations, and AI-assisted diagnostics are helping extend the reach of eye care services beyond traditional settings. These tools are particularly valuable in remote or underserved areas, where access to trained professionals may be limited.

But it is crucial to keep in mind that these innovations are not intended to replace in-person care but to complement it. By enabling earlier detection and facilitating referrals, they help ensure that more people receive timely and appropriate treatment.

Digital engagement is also enhancing the consumer experience. Virtual tools, such as online frame selection and try-on features, are making it easier for individuals to explore options and make informed decisions about their eye care.

In Kenya, the eye care sector reflects many of these broader trends. Demand for services is growing, driven by increased awareness, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles. At the same time, efforts to improve access and affordability are gaining momentum.

Providers such as Optica illustrate how private sector participation can support this evolution. Operating in Kenya since 1959, Optica has evolved into one of the country’s largest optical retail networks, with a wide presence across multiple counties, bringing eye care services closer to both urban and peri-urban populations

Through a combination of retail and clinical offerings, such providers contribute to improving consistency in service delivery. Initiatives such as accessible pricing models, ongoing eye testing programmes, and product warranties are designed to reduce barriers and encourage more regular engagement with eye care.

While no single organisation can address the entire challenge, the cumulative impact of such efforts is helping to shape a more accessible and responsive eye care ecosystem.

And so, as Africa continues to urbanise and modernise, eye health will become an increasingly important component of public health and economic development. Clear vision is a foundational element of learning, productivity, and overall well-being.

Addressing the current gaps will require a multi-faceted approach. Public awareness campaigns, policy support, private sector investment, and technological innovation all have roles to play. 

With relatively simple interventions, millions of people could experience immediate improvements in their quality of life. In the years ahead, businesses, governments, and healthcare providers alike, should see investing in eye health is a significant economic opportunity.