Millions of children and adults across underserved communities live with preventable or treatable vision impairment simply because they lack access to basic eye care. Poor vision limits educational achievement, employment opportunities, personal safety, and independence, creating barriers that affect entire families and communities.

Vision Without Borders is Mercytree International Foundation’s comprehensive eye health campaign dedicated to expanding access to quality vision care in underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through community vision screening, prescription eyeglasses, eye health education, specialist referrals, and strategic partnerships, we are helping people see clearly, live independently, and build brighter futures.

Every eye examination, every pair of eyeglasses, and every community outreach brings us one step closer to a world where no one is held back by preventable vision impairment.

Program Vision

To eliminate preventable vision impairment by bringing quality eye care, vision screening, prescription eyeglasses, eye health education, and referral services to underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Why Vision Matters

Clear vision affects nearly every aspect of life.

Children need healthy vision to learn.

Teachers need healthy vision to educate.

Healthcare workers need healthy vision to care for patients.

Farmers need healthy vision to cultivate crops.

Parents need healthy vision to support their families.

Older adults need healthy vision to remain safe and independent.

When vision improves, education improves, productivity increases, and communities become healthier and more resilient.

The Challenge

Preventable Vision Loss Continues to Affect Millions

Many people living in rural and underserved communities have never received a comprehensive eye examination.

Common barriers include:

• Limited access to eye care professionals
• Shortage of vision screening services
• High cost of prescription eyeglasses
• Lack of awareness about eye health
• Limited referral pathways for specialized treatment
• Geographic isolation
• Delayed diagnosis of eye diseases

Without intervention, manageable vision problems often become lifelong obstacles.

Our Solution

Vision Without Borders combines prevention, early detection, treatment support, education, and partnerships to create sustainable access to eye health services.

Community Vision Screening

We organize outreach events that provide basic eye examinations and identify individuals needing additional care.

Prescription Eyeglasses

We provide prescription and reading glasses to children, adults, and older adults whose lives can be transformed through improved vision.

School Vision Initiative

School-based screening programs help identify vision challenges early, improving learning outcomes and educational success.

Eye Health Education

Community education promotes healthy eye care practices, early detection, injury prevention, and routine vision examinations.

Specialist Referral Network

Patients requiring advanced care are connected with qualified optometrists, ophthalmologists, hospitals, and partner organizations.

Strategic Partnerships

Mercytree collaborates with hospitals, universities, optical companies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and community leaders to strengthen long-term eye care services.

Our Areas of Focus

Children & School Vision

Helping children overcome vision barriers that interfere with learning.

Adult Vision Care

Supporting working adults through improved vision and increased productivity.

Senior Vision Care

Reducing vision-related injuries while promoting healthy aging and independence.

Community Eye Health

Building awareness about preventable vision impairment and healthy eye care practices.

Mobile Vision Outreach

Expanding eye care services into remote and underserved communities.