World Sight Day serves as a global reminder of the power of vision and the urgent need to make eye care accessible to all. Across Africa, St John continues to champion this cause through community-based initiatives that promote eye health, empower individuals, and strengthen local resilience.
Ghana: Nurturing Young Visionaries in James Town
As part of its anniversary celebrations, St John Ambulance Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Optometrists, organised a free Eye Screening and CPR Training Programme at the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools in James Town, Accra, on 24th June 2025.
James Town, one of Accra’s oldest communities, is home to many families whose children often face barriers to accessing healthcare. The initiative was inspired by Mr. Godwin Ayikpa, a teacher and head of St John Volunteers in the area, who noticed several pupils struggling with vision in class.
Through this project:
- 181 pupils received free eye screening.
- 4 pupils with impaired vision were given free prescription glasses on the spot.
- 28 pupils were referred for further treatment.
- 215 pupils received CPR training, equipping them with lifesaving skills.
This outreach combined health intervention with education ensures that children not only see better but are also empowered to save lives. It perfectly embodies the St John mission: “Pro Utilitate Hominum” – In the Service of Humanity.
Zambia: Empowering Communities Through Vision and Livelihoods
In Lusaka District, Zambia, St John Ambulance Zambia partnered with the Department of Community Development and the Alejo Community Project to host a transformative training programme at St John House, Matero, on 9th August 2025.
The training focused on precision farming, village chicken rearing, herbal health solutions, and vision care for the elderly, a holistic approach to improving livelihoods and health outcomes.
Key achievements included:
- Training community members on precision farming for food security.
- Teaching sustainable Kroiler chicken rearing and affordable feed production.
- Promoting Selcare, a natural herbal immunity booster, with positive community feedback.
- Conducting eye screenings and distributing free reading glasses to older adults—restoring not just sight but dignity and independence.
By offering its facility and resources at no cost, St John Ambulance Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to community empowerment, extending its impact far beyond emergency response.
From Accra’s schoolyards to Matero’s community halls, the St John family continues to uphold a legacy of service through sight and care. These efforts demonstrate how preventive health initiatives when paired with education and local partnerships can transform lives and strengthen communities.
As we celebrate World Sight Day, St John Ambulance Ghana and St John Ambulance Zambia celebrate not only clearer vision but also a clearer path toward a healthier, more inclusive future.
At St John, we believe that when we save sight, we save lives. You can find out more about our eyecare work from our colleagues in the Holy Land and beyond.
