Community Focus International targets 400 Pader residents for free reading glasses

14 August 2026, 6:41 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Community Focus International has targeted at least 400 people in Pader District to benefit from free reading glasses aimed at helping residents struggling with poor near vision.

The reading glasses were distributed during an eye clinic organised by Women of Pader with support from Community Focus International at the Women of Pader compound in Olokilee, Acoro Parish, Pader District.

The glasses were donated to Community Focus International by Restoring Vision, a United States-based organisation, as part of efforts to improve access to basic vision support in communities.

Benson Ocan, the Founder and Executive Director of Community Focus International, said many people, particularly in Northern Uganda, struggle to read the Bible, newspapers and other written materials because of poor vision.

Ocan said the organisation decided to bring the intervention to Pader after providing similar support in refugee settlements and other parts of Northern Uganda.

He said the organisation’s target is to reach at least 400 people, despite arriving late in Pader because of poor road conditions and transport challenges.

The glasses come in different strengths, ranging from 1.0 to nearly 3.0, with trained personnel helping beneficiaries identify the appropriate strength for their reading needs.

Ocan said people whose vision problems cannot be addressed by the available glasses will be advised to seek specialised medical attention.

He said the glasses are strictly intended for reading and should not be used while riding motorcycles, driving or carrying out other activities that require specialised vision correction.

Ocan also urged beneficiaries to protect the glasses from dust and scratches and keep them in a safe case when they are not in use.

He estimated the value of each pair at about Shs350,000, urging beneficiaries to appreciate and protect the donation.

Ocan warned beneficiaries against selling or exchanging the glasses, saying the strength required by one person may not be suitable for another.

One of the beneficiaries, 46-year-old Auma Irene, a farmer from Pagwari West Village in Acoro Parish, Pader Town Council, said the glasses would help her read her Luo-language Bible and use her mobile phone whenever necessary.

Irene said she was involved in a motorcycle accident in March 2025, after which she experienced pain and difficulties with her eyesight, making daily life challenging.

She said receiving the glasses had given her hope of being able to read and carry out activities that require clear vision.

Meanwhile, Bruce Aboga, the Director of Women of Pader, said the partnership with Community Focus International aims to transform communities both within and beyond Pader District.

Aboga said the eye clinic is an important intervention because improved vision can enable people to participate more effectively in social and economic activities.

He said Women of Pader had previously helped some people access glasses and treatment, although the current exercise was the first eye clinic of its kind organised by the organisation.

Aboga said Women of Pader intends to continue working with partners to identify people with eye problems and connect them to appropriate treatment and support.

Ocan said Community Focus International was also considering returning to Pader in the future to provide more vision-related services and other assistive devices.

He said the organisation’s long-term goal is to work with local communities, health officials and other government stakeholders to bring services closer to people in need.