1. Implementing innovative eye care delivery projects grounded in equity and excellence
- Blindness and visual impairment are significant public health issues in our country and region. The programs that we, the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), deliver are sensitive to the fact that:
- Geographically, socially and economically disadvantaged communities and individuals often lack culturally relevant health information
- Access to care is often impeded by a myriad of constraints
2. Supporting academic and professional advancements
- Eye Health workers are the heart and soul of eye care delivery systems; however, Africa in general, and Rwanda in particular, is faced with a chronic shortage of trained personnel. RIIO contributes to what is needed to bridge the gap by supporting training at various levels.
- We support and encourage our students to use the latest innovations and technological solutions in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to eye care delivery and to become future leaders in their places of work.
3. Influencing eye health policies in Rwanda and the Region via evidence and advocacy
- Our goal in advocacy is to increase support for eye care and prevention of vision loss in Rwanda and in the Region. Our advocacy efforts strive to align our eye care programming with the broad health and development agendas.
- We actively support Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness by the year 2020.
- We use data and research to demonstrate the reality and severity of eye health needs and the effectiveness of recommended methods to address problems.
4. Effecting regional developments through a network of innovative activities, collaborations and partnerships
- The impact of our work is derived through a multitude of mechanisms including consultancy, collaborative and contract research, in-service trainings, public engagement, mentorship and CPD activities.
- Our partnerships are created on the basis of excellence and merit rather than status.