TanZanEye strengthens eye care in remote western Tanzania

In November 2017, ophthalmologist Karsten Paust, project manager Ryner Linuma, and cataract surgeon Erick Msigomba launched the “Prevention of Avoidable Blindness Project” in western Tanzania, later renamed TanZanEye. Together with a large international team and the TanZanEye e.V. association, they work hand in hand to promote more equitable access to (eye) health care in regions that are critically underserved. It seemed as though the people in this remote region had been deprived of their right to sight.

The project area covers the three western regions bordering Lake Tanganyika: Rukwa, Katavi, and Kigoma. Over 100 professionals have now been trained and are working in nearly 50 health centers throughout the region. Additionally, three specialized centers for extended diagnostics and (surgical) treatment have been established in Sumbawanga, Mpanda, and near Kasulu. These centers employ several cataract surgeons and each center also has an optical workshop that provides patients with visual aids, including low-vision aids (in Sumbawanga). Over the next two years, more highly qualified professionals (cataract surgeons and optometrists) will complete their training and join the project.

TanZanEye has been strengthening eye care through four key pillars: human capacity, infrastructure, continuous education, and sustainability.

Human capacity has been built by educating and equipping both community- and hospital-based health care workers using the Arclight Project diagnostic and training tools.

Continuous education includes biannual hands-on, face-to-face workshops, complemented by remote hybrid training and an online e-learning book. The e-book is available for Android and Apple devices and is free to download.

Additionally, training community health workers and primary health providers in basic eye care is transforming access in remote areas. They serve as the vital link—detecting problems early and connecting patients with appropriate eye care providers.

Sustainability is pursued by embedding facilities and trained staff into the local health care system. We believe that sustainable health care requires local ownership, fair pricing, and robust infrastructure—not just short-term free services.

Through collaboration between TanZanEye and many other organizations, a large underserved region of Tanzania now has trained and equipped health care workers with modern facilities to identify, refer, and treat both children and adults with eye diseases—preventing needless blindness from conditions such as congenital cataracts and retinoblastoma.

A change in mindset and a collaborative approach are key to successful project work. We are therefore very grateful to now be part of IAPB.

We believe that success in global development isn’t about imposing what we think communities need, but about understanding local circumstances, realities, and needs. It’s about listening, learning, and supporting locally-driven initiatives.

Sustainable change begins with local input; one-size-fits-all solutions rarely succeed.