Millions worldwide suffer from treatable vision impairments, yet limited access to healthcare in remote regions leaves many without solutions. Supported by Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, British ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Bastawrous founded Peek Vision, a pioneering platform providing eye-check software and data insights to local health partners in underserved communities. Today, the project celebrates a landmark achievement: 10 million screenings conducted across Asia and Africa, with significant strides in India and plans for nationwide expansion in Nepal by 2028.
From Personal Struggle to Global Mission
Bastawrous’s passion for eye care began in childhood. Struggling to see classroom whiteboards due to severe myopia, he received life-changing glasses at age 12. “Suddenly, trees had vivid green leaves instead of blurry shapes,” he recalls. A later trip to Egypt, his parents’ homeland, exposed him to inequities in vision care, inspiring his career. After training in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), he moved to Kenya in 2011 to address gaps in rural healthcare.
Technology Bridges the Gap
Recognizing Kenya’s high mobile phone penetration, Bastawrous launched Peek Vision in 2012. The smartphone app enables non-specialists to perform accurate eye tests, connecting patients to treatment. A 2016 Rolex Award accelerated the project’s scale, and today, 250,000+ screenings occur monthly. “Rolex helped us see beyond imagined limits,” Bastawrous notes.
Transforming Lives, One Pair of Glasses at a Time
In India’s Mohammadi district, 14-year-old Prem Kumar typifies Peek’s impact. Forced to quit school and cricket due to poor vision, Prem was diagnosed with myopia via Peek’s app and referred to a partner clinic. His first pair of glasses restored his education and passion. “Stories like Prem’s remind us how simple interventions rewrite futures,” says Bastawrous.
Looking Ahead: Nepal and Beyond
With a strong foundation in Nepal, Peek Vision aims for nationwide coverage by 2028. “The potential here is thrilling,” Bastawrous emphasizes, underscoring his broader goal: leveraging technology to ensure no one is left in the dark.
