Eye checkups for Saharawi children

The organization Fundación Ruta de la Luz was created with the goal of helping underprivileged people to improve their visual health, both nationally and internationally.

Since 2004 they have been collaborating with the "Vacaciones en Paz" (Vacation in Peace) program, this year coordinated by the Saharawi Delegation in Spain, by carrying out eye examinations of Saharawi children between 8-12 years of age who spend the summer months with host families in different autonomous regions in Spain.

The main objective of the project is to improve the visual health of the Saharawi population and eradicate cases of avoidable blindness. They also aim to raise awareness among the children benefiting from the program about eye hygiene habits and protecting their eyes from the sun.

Through the creation of a solid network of opticians which have partnered with the Fundación Ruta de la Luz, eye examinations are provided for the children participating in the "Vacaciones en Paz" program in order to supply new corrective glasses free of charge to those who need them. The foundation works with a total of 900 opticians, located throughout Spain, which will be responsible for carrying out this task during the months of July and August 2022.

In addition, thanks to these professionals, participants will learn eye hygiene habits and understand the importance of using sunglasses to prevent cataracts and other conditions caused by high exposure to the sun in their area of origin.

The total approximate cost of this project amounts to €16,750, of which €5,000 will be contributed by the Fundación Amara NextGen.

A total of approximately 2,300 Saharawi boys and girls have participated in the 2022 Vacaciones en Paz program and approximately 400 new glasses have been delivered.

Visit the website of the Fundación Ruta de la Luz