Livelihood Impact FundLivelihood Impact Fund is a philanthropic organization committed to supporting both emerging and established nonprofit and social impact organizations that demonstrate excellence and have a vision for expanding their impact over the next 3-10 years. They prioritize organizations serving diverse communities in both urban and rural settings, spanning across Africa and even extending to select initiatives in the United States. Initially launched in Kenya and neighboring countries, the fund's primary focus remains on East and West Africa.
Vision impairment is a pressing public health issue in Nigeria, with an estimated 1.1 million people blind and 4.25 million experiencing moderate to severe visual impairment. Limited access to eye care services, especially in rural areas, worsens the situation. The World Health Organization reports that about 80% of visual impairment cases are preventable, primarily due to conditions like cataracts, refractive errors, and glaucoma.
However, due to inadequate access to eye care and low awareness of preventive measures, many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, leading to a decline in overall quality of life. To address this challenge, there's a need for comprehensive strategies to improve access to affordable and culturally sensitive eye care services.
In 2023, BeaconHealth partnered with Livelihood Impact Fund to address vision health disparities by conducting optical screenings and distributing affordable eyeglasses to patients across Nigeria. Through this collaboration, BeaconHealth leverages its extensive network of medical clinics to offer screenings, while Livelihood Impact Fund provides support for outreach, awareness, and eyeglass distribution efforts.
Since the inception of the partnership, BeaconHealth and Livelihood Impact Fund have conducted over 3000 optical screenings and distributed 500 pairs of eyeglasses to patients in need. By providing access to affordable eyeglasses, the partnership has significantly improved vision health outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and empowered individuals to fully engage in their communities and daily activities.
Moving forward, BeaconHealth and Livelihood Impact Fund are committed to expanding their collaboration and addressing vision health disparities on a larger scale. By continuing to work together, innovate, and advocate for improved eye care access, the partnership aims to make a lasting impact on vision health and overall well-being in Nigeria.
