Celebrating Women Creating Access to Eyeglasses for All

March 8th is International Women's Day 2025––a time to honor and uplift women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and transforming lives.

At EYElliance, we are shining a spotlight on inspirational women who are making a difference in vision care—unlocking access to eyeglasses for all. From optometrists and community health workers to entrepreneurs and government officials, these women are leading the charge in ensuring that clear vision is within reach for everyone, regardless of their background or location.

Women play a vital role in expanding access to eye health, often serving as the backbone of their communities. Whether through innovation in optical manufacturing, direct patient care, or pioneering businesses that make eyeglasses affordable, these women are reshaping the landscape of vision care.

Spotlight on Women Leading the Way

Grace Kansiime – Production Engineer, Wazi Vision, Uganda

Meet Grace Kansiime, an accomplished Mechanical Engineer and the heart of production at Wazi Vision, a female-led company committed to expanding access to affordable eyeglasses in underserved communities in Uganda. Grace plays a pivotal role in ensuring that each pair of glasses is crafted with the highest quality while minimizing costs—ensuring that clear vision is accessible to all. Grace is leading the charge for sustainable production processes and cost-effective, locally-led manufacturing on the African continent. At EYElliance, we are proud to support businesses like Wazi, who are changing the game in both eyeglass manufacturing and affordable vision care.

"I know I have the power to innovate and create solutions that can change lives. I’m proud to be part of a team that is not only shaping the future of eyewear but also paving the way for all women to dream big and achieve their goals." - Grace Kansiime

Annette Baitwabusa - Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda

Meet Siima Sheilla Baitwabusa Annette, champion for inclusive education in Uganda. Annette is a dedicated educator and advocate for children’s and disability rights in Uganda. As a specialist in teaching learners with special educational needs, she is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the assistive technology and tools they need to succeed, including eyeglasses.

As part of Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, Annette plays a crucial role in raising awareness with planning authorities for the needs of learners with poor vision and other disabilities. Her passion for this work is deeply personal—having experienced dyslexia herself, she understands the struggles many students with invisible disabilities face when their learning challenges go unnoticed.

Throughout her career, Annette has worked tirelessly to identify and support learners in need. In 2023, she met a student who had lost interest in school due to a lack of awareness and support for his disability. After referring him for assessment and ensuring he received the right support, he regained his enthusiasm and successfully passed his Primary Leaving Examination in 2024. Now in secondary school, he is thriving—proof of what’s possible when students get the support they need.

"Clear vision fuels success! As women in education, let’s ensure that every learner with a vision challenge is identified and has access to assistive devices, like eyeglasses, for better education, work, and well-being.” - Annette Siima

Yassah Mydeh – Community Health Assistant, Liberia

Meet Yassah Mydeh—a dedicated community health worker in rural Liberia, and a shining example of how women in health care are transforming their communities. Community health workers like Yassah are the unsung heroes of public health systems. As trusted members of their communities, they bridge the gap between people and healthcare, providing essential services like eye health screenings and dispensing eyeglasses. They play a critical role in ensuring that care is accessible, particularly in remote or underserved areas. In 2021, Yassah received her first pair of eyeglasses through Liberia’s pilot community eye health program. Before then, she struggled with reading and writing but didn’t know where to seek help. Her glasses not only restored her ability to work but also inspired her to help others in her community see clearly.

“I love to do my work because I am working for my people.” – Yassah Mydeh

Doreen Ruoele – Founder & Optometrist, Doreen I Care, South Africa

Meet Doreen Ruoele, a trailblazing South African optometrist and founder of Doreen I Care. With nearly 30 years of experience, Doreen has dedicated her career to helping those often overlooked, particularly children in remedial schools and miners who need eye care to stay safe at work. Her drive to transform lives goes beyond providing eyeglasses. Doreen’s personal journey reflects a commitment to tackling barriers and fostering inclusive care. Doreen is a true advocate for the power of clear vision to unlock potential. Doreen exemplifies resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence. Through Doreen I Care, she continues to empower those in her community.

"My passion has always been to see children excel after discovering that their struggles weren’t from learning disabilities but from uncorrected vision. Helping people see is more than just a job—it's a way of giving them the power to change their future." — Doreen Ruoele

Alice Masaquoi - Community Health Assistant, Margibi, Liberia

We honor Alice Masaquoi, a dedicated Community Health Assistant in Margibi, Liberia, who is transforming lives through her commitment to eye health. Community health workers like Alice are vital links between local communities and public healthcare systems. As trusted members of their communities, they provide essential services such as eye health screenings and distributing eyeglasses, ensuring that even the most underserved individuals can access care.

For Alice, this work is deeply personal. She has witnessed firsthand how the lack of eyeglasses impacts daily life in her community, from reading and sewing to cooking and farming. Before the program, many residents relied heavily on family members to perform these tasks, which compromised their independence. Now, thanks to Alice’s efforts and the provision of eyeglasses, her neighbors have regained their autonomy and confidence.

“This program really helped my community because in the past, we did not have access to eyeglasses. Now, people can use their phones, read, sew, cook, and farm again. Thank you, EYElliance, for playing such a major role in my community.” - Alice Masaquoi

Esther Amegbey – Founder & Optometrist, Star Eye Solutions, Ghana

Esther Amegbey, a passionate optometrist and the founder of Star Eye Solutions, has spent the last decade transforming the way eye care is delivered in Ghana. Through Star Eye Solutions, a female-led eye care business, Esther has been committed to making quality eye care accessible to everyone, no matter their background and class. Driven by her dream to provide access to clear vision to all, Esther has grown her business with a relentless pursuit of excellence and service to her community. Esther continues to inspire others with her dedication to expanding eye care services, and her commitment to scaling her business while learning from others in the field.

“Every eye I see deserves clear vision, delivered in a comfortable, safe environment. I’m committed to making that a reality for as many people as possible. Through my journey, I aim to build a stronger, more accessible eye care system in Ghana and beyond.” — Esther Amegbey

Roseline Kilonzo – Retail Marketing Manager, Lapaire Glasses, serving Uganda, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso & Mali

As a key player at Lapaire, a Pan-African eyecare company, Roseline Kilonzo is dedicated to making quality eyecare accessible to all. With operations in Uganda, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali, Lapaire is expanding rapidly across the continent, revolutionizing the eyeglasses market by offering affordable, quality eyewear. In her current role, Roseline leads the retail marketing strategy across six countries, overseeing the development of new business opportunities and ensuring that Lapaire's mission of making eye care accessible remains at the heart of everything they do. Roseline's journey has been one of growth, resilience, and passion for the people of Africa. She is motivated by the desire to make a difference and create lasting impact in the communities Lapaire serves.

“At Lapaire, we are not just providing eyeglasses; we are unlocking potential by giving people the ability to see clearly. I believe that clear vision is a stepping stone to success, and I am honored to be part of this journey of making it accessible to all.” — Roseline Kilonzo

Accelerating Action for Gender Equity in Eye Care

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, reminds us that progress requires collective effort. By supporting women in the eye health sector, we not only ensure access to eyeglasses but also empower communities and drive economic growth.

At EYElliance, we are proud to amplify the voices and impact of these extraordinary women. Their dedication and leadership are proof that investing in women is key to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Join us in celebrating and supporting these changemakers.