For many older survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, poor eyesight has become a silent but serious challenge. It affects their ability to read, recognize faces, work, and live independently. On 21 December 2025, hope and clarity returned for more than 320 genocide survivors in Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts through a life-changing partnership between SURVIVORS FUND (SURF) Rwanda and Nu-Vision Optical 👓.
As genocide survivors grow older, many experience age-related eye problems, especially presbyopia, a condition that makes it difficult to see small or close objects. In rural areas, access to professional eye care remains limited, and many survivors cannot afford eye examinations, eyeglasses, or treatment. As a result, eye problems continue to affect their daily lives, productivity, and wellbeing.
To address this challenge, SURF Rwanda partnered with Nu-Vision Optical to bring free, professional eye care services directly to older genocide survivors, ensuring dignity, inclusion, and improved quality of life.
The one-day outreach program provided free eye screening, reading glasses, bifocals, eye medications, eye-health education, and referrals for further medical care where necessary. The initiative targeted older genocide survivors aged 45 years and above, many of whom had lived with eye difficulties for years without access to proper treatment.
Impact on the Ground
Optical professionals from Nu-Vision Optical worked closely with SURF Rwanda staff and local authorities to ensure survivors received respectful, high-quality services. Although the large number of beneficiaries meant that some survivors returned home late in the evening, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
A representative of Nu-Vision Dr. Martin Rusanga Optical highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying:
“Good vision is fundamental to dignity, independence, and active participation in society. This partnership allows us to deliver a simple but life-changing service to survivors who often lack access to quality eye care.” He said
Nu-Vision Optical supported the program as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment by providing trained optical professionals, screening equipment, reading glasses, bifocals, eye medications, and logistical support.
Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Martin Rusanga of Nu-Vision Optical said:
“At Nu-Vision Optical, we believe that restoring sight is restoring opportunity. This collaboration reflects our commitment to public health, community wellbeing, and Rwanda’s long-term development vision.”
Voices from the Survivors 🗣️
For the survivors themselves, the impact was immediate and deeply personal.
Mukantabana Yosephina, a survivor from Gabibiro village, Mataba cell in Shangi sector, Nyamasheke District, expressed her gratitude for the care received. She explained that although many people attended and they returned home late, the service was excellent.
“They treated us very well. The eye medicine they gave me is already helping me, and they also gave me glasses. Before, I could not read small letters at all, I could only see very big signs. Now I read clearly and quickly, I thank them so much and also thank the government for helping us access health care. I ask that others who were left behind also be supported.”
Another survivor, Nyirangendahayo Mariza from Ngoboka village in Shangi sector, shared her long struggle with eye pain and irritation, especially in the mornings.
“My eyes used to be painful, watery, and feel like they had sand inside. The doctors treated us very well and gave me medicine to use, I am now waiting for my glasses, which they said will be prepared in Kigali and brought back to us, We truly thank them and ask them to continue following up on us.”
Leadership and National Priorities
The initiative support national development goals, including Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), and the country’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage. By delivering primary eye care directly to older genocide survivors, the program demonstrated the strength of public–private partnerships in addressing community health needs.
A Clearer and More Dignified Future 🌍
Beyond improving eyesight, the program is expected to enhance survivors’ ability to read, communicate, participate in income-generating activities, and live more independently contributing to improved mental wellbeing and social inclusion.
The partnership between SURF Rwanda and Nu-Vision Optical also lays a strong foundation for future outreach programs targeting preventable and treatable eye conditions among vulnerable communities across Rwanda.
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