What We Do: Preventing Avoidable Blindness Where It Hits Hardest
PinkVISSION is the community-based preventive eye-care initiative of mass medical mission (m3). We deliver free, high-quality, people-centred eye care directly to underserved populations through our Mobile Eye Unit (the PinkVISSION).
Our work focuses on the prevention of avoidable blindness through community empowerment, early detection, and timely intervention — ensuring that no one loses their sight simply because care is inaccessible or unaffordable. This approach reflects the WHO framework for Integrated People-Centred Eye Care (IPCEC) and contributes to the global goal of Universal Eye Health by 2030.
Our Comprehensive Mobile Eye Services
Through an integrated, community-based delivery model, we bring essential eye care directly to where people live, work, and gather.
Health Education
We strengthen community awareness and self-care by delivering culturally appropriate eye-health education through direct engagement, traditional media, and digital platforms — enabling informed decisions across the life course.
Free Screening
For early detection and timely care, we provide free screening for common causes of visual impairment and blindness, including:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Refractive Error/Presbyopia
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Pterygium
- Eye Tumors, among others
Notable Stat
From our 2020 analysis of a sample of 9,000 outreach participants: 47% had visual impairment, 8% had refractive error, 13.6% cataract, and 7.4% glaucoma.
Consultation and Immediate Intervention
- Free Ophthalmic Consultation and Counselling
- On-the-spot dispensing of free reading eyeglasses, where indicated
- Vitamin A supplementation for children, supporting eye health and overall wellbeing
A Continuum of Care: From Screening to Advanced Treatment
Those whose needs extend beyond immediate care are referred to the state-of-the-art PinkVISSION Centre or any hospital of their choice — ensuring continuity, choice, and dignity of care.
Our centre provides advanced ophthalmic services, including:
- Diagnostics — Automated phoropter, autorefractor/keratometer, pachymeter, visual field analyser, A/B-scan ultrasonography
- Optical Services — Well-equipped lens workstation
- Imaging & Treatment — Fundus camera with fluorescein angiography, SLT/YAG lasers, posterior segment laser
- Surgical Services — Fully equipped operating theatre with phacoemulsification machine
This comprehensive referral pathway ensures seamless progression from community screening to definitive treatment — protecting sight and improving lives.
Strength in Integration: Our Broader Impact Beyond Eye Care
PinkVISSION is embedded within m3’s holistic preventive health ecosystem, recognising that eye health is inseparable from overall wellbeing. Our integrated programmes include:
-
Mission PinkCruise: general health and cancer screenings via the Mobile Health Centre (the PinkCruise). Learn more: http://pinkcruise.org
- Mission PinkDentist: Free dental care and oral health promotion via the Mobile Dental Unit (the PinkDentist). Learn more: http://massmedicalmission.org/pinkdentist
- Wellness Wednesday & Family Friday — Free weekly health screenings at our base centre
- Premarital Health Promotion Programme — Free screening and counselling for intending couples
Impact Snapshot: The Power of Integration
Our 2020 analysis shows the eye programme as a vital entry point:
– 37% of beneficiaries came primarily for the free eye programme
– Only 6.5% had ever had a routine health check before attending
Without the integration of PinkVISSION, the majority of these individuals would likely have remained unreached.
Who We Serve: Removing Barriers for the Most Vulnerable
Our services are delivered at no cost and are strategically targeted toward underserved populations to eliminate financial barriers to sight-saving care. Delivery is structured through a year-round schedule of health missions serving communities, faith-based organizations, and organized groups, among others.
PinkVISSION: A Global Blueprint
Born in Africa, PinkVISSION demonstrates how community‑based, integrated people‑centred eye care can transform lives and now stands as a blueprint for tackling preventable blindness globally, through the Institute of Preemptology (IoP) — a global hub designed to accelerate progress toward the SDGs and Universal Health Coverage.
Learn more: http://preemptology.org