Using AI to save sight in rural Rwanda

Esther, a 26-year-old woman living just outside of Kigali, Rwanda, began her eye care journey in 2023 after attending a camp hosted by our long-term partner, the Rwanda Diabetes Association. There, she learned about the hidden risks of diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding disease that can affect anyone with diabetes.

Through our partnership with the Rwanda Diabetes Association, Esther was referred to an Orbis supported eye clinic in Kigali for her first ever eye exam. Equipped with cutting-edge, AI powered retinal cameras and Cybersight AI, eye health workers at this clinic were able to rapidly screen Esther and diagnose her with diabetic retinopathy.

Over the next 18 months, Esther’s vision deteriorated further, eventually leading to cataracts that clouded her sight. She struggled with daily tasks and could no longer recognize faces, making it hard to connect with others. “I used to leave weddings without spotting friends,” Esther tells us, just one of the many side effects of her reduced vision.

But thanks to the diagnosis and ongoing care, Esther stayed on a path toward treatment. This year, Esther was treated for her diabetic retinopathy and also received surgery for her cataracts. “After the operation, with my eyes still covered, I was curious about what I’d experience,” Esther said. “When they removed the bandage, I saw clearly and was so happy ... and excited to see everyone again with my new eyesight.”

Her husband Adolphe recalls the moment with emotion: “After the operation... she returned seeing me clearly and told me it was like a new world. And for that, we really thank you so much.”

Esther’s recovery went smoothly and she was relieved to learn there were no stitches required. With clear vision, her relationships improved and her life quickly changed. Today, Esther is thriving: married, a new mother, and confidently caring for her baby.

“I used to struggle,” she recalls. “In the evening, I would always light a torch to be able to see. But I don't use the torch anymore. My eyesight is good now.”

Unfortunately, stories like Esther’s are all too common. Diabetic retinopathy is now the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults globally, and rates are increasing rapidly across sub-Saharan Africa — the region with the world’s lowest number of ophthalmologists (only 3.7 per million people).

But through innovation, partnerships, and support from the Orbis community, solutions like Cybersight AI and local training are making expert care accessible in places where it's needed most.

And there’s more good news: The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is traveling to Rwanda this July! Keep an eye out for more inspiring stories like Esther’s in the weeks to come.

With the right tools, training, and support, vision loss from diabetes doesn’t have to be permanent. Just ask Esther.