The Ojitos Felices, or ‘Happy Eyes’ project targets school children whose visual defects may be cured by obtaining prescription glasses. The project aims to improve overall access to prescription glasses and is divided into three stages outlined below: 

The aim is to not only to provide prescription glasses but also to improve access to optical health services at an affordable price. Thus, in the first phase we source optical equipment as well as prescription glasses for donation, and in the second phase provide staff training. The final phase involves carrying out visual campaigns near the newly established optical health clinic targeting the wider population. 

When the donations arrive in El Salvador, the machines are serviced to ensure they have not been damaged during transport, and all glasses and frames are itemized into a digital database for easy storage and access. Once this is complete, training is provided for the new clinic’s staff and all of those involved in the project and handling the donated items in order to ensure that the donated equipment is adequately used. 

During September and October 2019, LOS FUNDADORES EL SALVADOR organized various optometric campaigns, and different capacity trainings with staff of different organizations. These activities are supported by the german ophtamologist and expert of SES Dr. Rainer Puder. Meanwhile, three organizations cooperate with LOS FUNDADORES EL SALVADOR: the Clínica Asistencial Padre Arrupe, the Fundación de Desarrollo Social FUNDESO, and the Universidad Dr. Andrés Bello.

After training is provided and machinery is installed in the new clinics, the project turns to its final phase: the visual campaigns. These campaigns involve opening up the clinics to the public as well as visiting schools and community centers to provide optical health services. It is during such campaigns that patients are examined in order to determine any type of visual problem they might have and which we can help with. 

During the month of November 2018, a pilot project was implemented to equip the FUNDESO clinic in Quezaltepeque, using donations received from Germany throughout the year 2018. Capacity training was provided to staff in the clinic of Quetzaltepeque and 4 visual campaigns were carried out in the surrounding area. Visual campaigns involved the delivery of prescription glasses to those in need, and as a result, 98 patients were treated.