Vision Action shares the impact of the Karen Sparrow Training and Education Fund

Eye care charity Vision Action has highlighted the impact of support from the Karen Sparrow Training and Education Fund.

Optician Karen Sparrow was a long-time volunteer with Vision Aid Overseas (which merged with the Vision for a Nation Foundation to form Vision Action in 2022).

Sparrow oversaw the development and updating of Vision Action’s optometry training materials by professional volunteers during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Vision Action said in a statement: “Karen Sparrow’s exceptional volunteer work has been instrumental in mobilizing and inspiring our volunteers, especially those new to global eye health.”

In memory of the “valued colleague and long-time Vision Action volunteer” who passed away in January 2022, the Karen Sparrow Training and Education Fund was established with a focus on supporting Human Resources for Eye Health initiatives.

Through the joint support of the Fund and Optometry Giving Sight, several continuing professional development (CPD) projects have been carried out.

This included a Training of Trainers course on visual impairment at KNUST University in Ghana for faculty members and community opticians to help expand the capacity of visual impairment services.

Refresher training in equipment maintenance, stock management, glazing and dispensing has been provided at Vision Centres in Zambia and accredited remote CPD sessions have been developed in conjunction with the Ghana Optometry Association. Materials from these sessions will be used in all countries where Vision Action operates.

With the funding, Vision Action has been able to support optometry associations in Zambia, Ghana and Ethiopia to raise awareness of eye health through campaigns such as World Sight Day and World Optometry Day.

The organization has also provided additional support to optometry associations in Ethiopia and Ghana to improve their capacity and support for their members.

“The volunteer program, significantly shaped by the contributions of Karen Sparrow, plays a critical role in this effort,” Vision Action said in a statement, adding, “Karen’s legacy lives on through the training materials she helped develop and the many volunteers she trained.”

“Karen Sparrow’s commitment to improving eye care has left a lasting impact, and Vision Action is proud to honor her legacy by continuing her work and expanding our reach in providing critical eye care to communities in need,” the organization continued.

Commenting on Sparrow’s contributions, her family said: “Improving eye care for all has been a central part of Karen’s life. As a trained optician, she was passionate about supporting others and giving them the tools they need to have successful careers.

“Her years of volunteering with Vision Action were a natural extension of that passion. We are delighted – and she would be too – that her life’s work will be continued through Vision Action,” her family added.

Donations to the Karen Sparrow Training and Education Fund can be made online.