Across the countryside of Cambodia, the rice fields shimmer, and motorbikes hum along narrow roads lined with homes on stilts. Farmers tend their crops under the radiant sun, and grandparents watch children chase one another through temple courtyards. Life here is vibrant, industrious, and deeply rooted in tradition. But when vision begins to fade, daily life, from farming to studying to sewing, becomes difficult and uncertain.
To bring essential eye care access closer to these communities, Seva Foundation opened four new Vision Centers in Pea Reang District, Puok District, Prey Kabbas District, and Batheay District. Established in collaboration with local partners, Cambodia’s Provincial Health Departments, and through the National Program for Eye Health of the Ministry of Health, these permanent facilities represent lasting change.
These four Vision Centers will serve nearly 600,000 people, and are designed as sustainable models of care. Within three years, each Vision Center will become financially self-sustaining, covering its own operating costs to provide affordable, quality eye care to the communities in the region.
Each Vision Center is equipped to meet up to 80% of all eye care needs. It is staffed with a dedicated Ophthalmic Nurse and a Refraction Nurse prepared to treat most of the common conditions, diagnose infections, and prescribe glasses. If a patient has a more complex case, they are referred to hospitals in a provincial town for additional treatment.
Following the inauguration, community awareness meetings brought neighbors together to learn about common eye problems and the importance of early treatment. Many received on-the-spot screenings and referrals, some discovering for the first time that their blurred world could be made clear again.
As Ayphalla Te, Seva Country Director, Cambodia, shared:
“When we give a community a vision center, we give them hope. Particularly, women, the elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups who are less likely to be able to travel long distances will benefit the most from having these services near their homes.”
These Vision Centers are beacons of light for communities where access to care was once distant or delayed. At Seva, we are grateful to our global partners whose dedication makes this work possible. And through the generosity of donors like you, Seva can continue to bring Vision Centers to life around the world, transforming lives through the simple, powerful gift of clear vision.
2 comments on “New Vision Centers Bring Cambodia into Focus”85
Can you help the Bedford Virginia Health Clinic, in Bedford Virginia. It is a rural town, many people may have eyesight issues, that young and old persons need eyecare.
Thank you for your comment and for the work that you are doing. Seva is not currently working in Virginia. We wish you success with your work.