Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 11 – Today, on World Sight Day, USAID announced $2 million in new funding to improve eye care and eyeglasses for Cambodians through a partnership with other donors and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
USAID, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology (ATscale), The Fred Hollows Foundation, and the Royal Government of Cambodia launched phase two of the Scaling Up Refractive Error Services Phase II Project, also known as SURES II, on October 10 during a ceremony with multiple government ministries. Total USAID support to the project is now $4.4 million over six years, while other donors are contributing $2.1 million through The Fred Hollows Foundation.
The SURES project was launched in 2021 with an initial contribution of $2.45 million from USAID. The project is co-funded by ATscale, and implemented by The Fred Hollows Foundation, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia. To date, SURES has benefitted 340,000 children and adults through eye screening and provision of eyeglasses, provided training for more than 1,000 eye health professionals and teachers, and held education sessions for more than three million children and adults.
During phase two, SURES aims to establish a systematic supply and demand for eye care in Cambodia by generating evidence for policy making, strengthening health systems, and creating a framework that ensures quality eye care services for all.
The project establishes public vision centers and school programs to develop permanent, accessible eye health services, the supply and provision of eyeglasses and assistive devices, builds awareness of eye health and services through school systems and campaigns, and trains personnel to provide quality eye care services.
“USAID is proud to support the SURES Phase II enabling thousands of children and adults with vision impairments to access affordable, quality eye health services and eyeglasses,” USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman said, highlighting the commitment of USAID to promoting inclusion and equitable eye health services for those who need it most. “This includes women, girls, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, people in poverty, and those residing in remote locations.”
SURES II is a collaborative effort between donors and government partners, including the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports; the Ministry of Women’s Affairs; and the Ministry of Social Affairs; as well as NGOs, including Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the private sector for the project.
SURES II will consolidate results of phase one of the project to bring about real improvements in the lives of Cambodians and generate the learning needed to advance global knowledge of eye care programs.
=FRESH NEWS
