Somalia

  • Somalia faces a significant burden of preventable eye conditions, primarily cataracts, trachoma, refractive errors, and glaucoma. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, and trachoma is prevalent in rural areas with poor sanitation. Access to eye care is hampered by a severe lack of trained professionals and facilities, especially outside urban centers. Many lack awareness about eye health, causing delays in treatment and resulting in widespread preventable blindness.

  • To eliminate preventable blindness in Somalia by:

    • Delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality eye care

    • Empowering local eye health professionals through education and training

    • Implementing community-driven screening and surgical programs

    • Partnering with institutions and organizations to scale impact and sustainability.

    • Promoting awareness and advocacy for vision health and equity.

    • Somali Ophthalmological Society 

    • Somali Optometry Association 

    • Ministry of health and human services Somalia 

    • Somali Society for the Blind

    • Lions Club Afgoye

    • Know the glow

    • Aden Adde International University, Faculty of Optometry

    • Somali National University

Our Partners

  • Lions International
  • Know the Glow
  • Aden Adde International University
  • Ministry of Health and Humanitarian services
  • Somali Optometry Association
  • Somali Ophthalmological Society
  • Somali Society for the Blind SSB

Current Projects

  • Sending Equipment

    CharityVision is proud to support Somalia’s healthcare system by sending a 40-foot container filled with critical medical equipment. This shipment includes essential eye care tools and supplies—vital for diagnosing and treating preventable blindness—as well as other much-needed medical equipment donated to strengthen general healthcare services. In a country where access to quality care is limited, this effort brings renewed hope to communities in need and empowers local providers to restore sight and save lives.

  • Annual Conference

    CharityVision Somalia proudly hosted the country’s first-ever ophthalmic conference—a groundbreaking event dedicated to advancing eye care and uniting vision professionals from across the region. Spearheaded by the tireless efforts of Dr. Gedi and Dr. Kalif, the conference marked a milestone in building a stronger, more connected ophthalmic community in Somalia. Through shared learning, collaboration, and a deep commitment to growth, this event has laid the foundation for a brighter future—one where quality eye care is accessible to all.

  • Cataract Surgeries Referrals

    Providing life-changing cataract surgeries to restore sight for those in need, with a special focus on underserved and displaced communities.

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Somalia
Annual
Report 2024

PATIENTS SCREENED:
10,340

GLASSES DONATED:
300

OUTREACHES:
4

SURGERIES PERFORMED:
1,017

See all annual reports here.

Our Team

Dr. Said Hussein Gedi

  • “I am honored to lead Charity Vision Somalia because I believe every person—no matter where they live—deserves access to quality eye care. Our mission to restore sight in underserved communities is not only about vision, dignity, hope, and opportunity for every Somali.”

Dr. Mohamed Kalif 

  • “At Charity Vision Somalia, I’m driven by the belief that eye care should not be a privilege but a right—accessible to everyone, everywhere in Somalia. Through our programs, we’re bringing vision services to the most remote and underserved communities, making ‘Eyecare, everywhere in Somalia’ a reality.”

Stories from the field

  • "I can see again"

    At 80, Ibrahim Abdi had endured years of eye pain and poor vision. Skeptical of the “free” screenings offered by CharityVision and Community Eye Hospital, he decided to give them a chance. He was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts, and the quick, successful surgery changed everything. Now smiling and full of gratitude, Ibrahim’s life has been transformed thanks to our dedicated partners in Somalia.

  • Eye Care Conference

    Last month, CharityVision Somalia hosted an eye health conference on the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness, uniting key experts to address trachoma, cataract, glaucoma, and refractive errors. In collaboration with the Somali Optometry Association, Somali Ophthalmological Society, and the Ministry of Health, they explored practical strategies to expand screenings, improve surgical care, and raise public awareness. This is a vital step toward eliminating avoidable blindness and strengthening eye care across Somalia.

  • Historic Arrival: Somalia’s First Cataract Surgery Kits

    In many government hospitals, patients must purchase their own materials, costing $60-$75—an impossible amount for the world’s poorest. Dr. Gedi received 500 surgical kits to bless the lives of thousands of low-income individuals in his community.

  • The first-ever CharityVision Eye Center in Somalia!

    Today, we celebrate with our Somalia team as they inaugurate their first subsidized eye center to serve their community. Dr Kalif said:

    "This center marks the beginning of a long-term mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and sustainable eye care to every corner of the country. From children needing their first glasses to elderly patients who have preventable blindness, no one will be left behind."

Get Involved

100% of your donation funds sight-restoring services.

Would you like to support our program in Somalia?