Knowledge that drives action. Tools that support change.

Resources

At KCCO, we believe that sharing practical knowledge is just as powerful as delivering care.
Our growing resource library supports eye care professionals, program managers, policymakers, researchers and educators across Africa with tools designed to strengthen systems, train teams and scale sustainable impact.

Whether you’re developing a national plan, launching a hospital program, or conducting training in remote areas. These resources are built to inform and empower your work.

Eye Health

Prevention of Blindness in Leprosy in Africa

This symposium report outlines strategies to prevent blindness in people affected by leprosy in Africa. It highlights the high burden of ocular disease among leprosy patients, especially cataract and lagophthalmos, and emphasizes the need to integrate leprosy care into general eye health services under VISION 2020. It recommends improved screening, surgical interventions (like lateral tarsal strip and cataract surgery), revised disability grading, and national-level planning to ensure equitable access and reduce stigma.

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Women and Trachoma

A practical guide exploring the intersection of gender and trachoma, offering strategies to promote gender equity in trachoma elimination programs through workforce inclusion, service delivery, community engagement, and behavior change.

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Strengthening capacity for effective service delivery in hospitals and communities to achieve VISION 2020 in Africa

This document outlines KCCO’s approach to building capacity at the district level in Africa to meet VISION 2020 goals. Through a structured two-phase model—assessment and planning, followed by implementation with ongoing mentorship—KCCO helps hospitals and districts improve efficiency, community outreach, and service delivery. The strategy includes leadership development, operational improvements, staff training, and stronger management systems to ensure sustainable, comprehensive eye care for entire populations.

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Cataract – what is it?

This document explains cataracts in simple terms, describing it as a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which leads to decreased vision—similar to looking through a dirty window. It outlines common causes such as aging, trauma, congenital factors, diabetes, and smoking. The document emphasizes that cataract is treatable through a safe and effective surgical procedure where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one. It also details the post-operative care and the importance of follow-up to ensure optimal recovery and vision restoration.

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What is glaucoma?

This educational guide explains glaucoma as a progressive eye disease where increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss and eventual blindness. Glaucoma typically has no early symptoms, making regular eye exams essential—especially for people over 30, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or prior eye injuries. The document emphasizes that while surgery can help prevent further vision loss, it cannot restore vision already lost. Early detection and timely surgery by a trained eye doctor are key to preserving sight.

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Results from a KCCO workshop on the cost of outreach services in eastern Africa

This report summarizes findings from a KCCO-led workshop assessing the cost of eye care outreach services in eastern Africa. It focuses on community-based strategies for identifying and transporting cataract patients for surgery. The study found that outreach costs per cataract patient transported range between $35–45, with total surgery costs averaging around $100 per patient. These insights support VISION 2020 planning by highlighting the importance of budgeting for both outreach and hospital-based services to meet cataract surgery targets.

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What is trichiasis?

This leaflet explains trichiasis, a condition where eyelashes turn inward and scratch the surface of the eye, often due to scarring from infections like trachoma. If left untreated, trichiasis can lead to corneal scarring and blindness. However, blindness is preventable with early surgery. The recommended treatment is a simple lid rotation surgery, which can be done in local clinics by trained health workers. Pulling out lashes is not a reliable solution, as they grow back and may cause more damage. Women are especially at risk, and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek prompt care to protect their vision.

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Clinical low vision training of optometrists

This report outlines a five-day clinical low vision training for optometrists in northern Tanzania, part of a pilot project led by KCCO to integrate low vision services into regional eye care and education systems. Focused on children, the training covered refraction, basic magnification, non-optical interventions, and coordination with schools. The project aims to ensure children with low vision receive the necessary support to use their vision effectively in mainstream education and sets the foundation for broader regional implementation.

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Using evidence for VISION 2020 “district” planning

This report summarizes a four-day workshop held at KCCO in Moshi, Tanzania, focused on improving the use of evidence in planning VISION 2020 eye care programs at the district level in Africa. It outlines key data requirements, planning processes, disease-specific strategies, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective, data-driven service delivery. The report also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder coordination and the use of updated blindness prevalence estimates to improve planning accuracy and implementation outcomes.

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Microfinance and Health

This review from the explores the evidence supporting task-shifting in eye care, specifically the training and use of non-physician cataract surgeons (NPCS) to address cataract-related blindness in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given the shortage and poor distribution of ophthalmologists, NPCS (often clinical officers or ophthalmic nurses with additional training) have been deployed in several countries to increase access to cataract surgery. The report analyzes their effectiveness, quality of surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and productivity, with case studies from Kenya, The Gambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ghana. While the evidence shows that NPCS can deliver high-quality surgeries, particularly when well-trained, supervised, and supported, issues such as post-training deployment, resource availability, and systemic health barriers remain challenges. The review concludes that while NPCS are not a universal solution, they are a viable strategy in underserved areas and should be integrated thoughtfully into national eye health programs.

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