Megan Webber, Co-Founder of KnowTheGlow (KTG), recently connected with Molly Pyott of the David and Molly Pyott Foundation to further explore their shared dedication to combating preventable blindness and advancing eye care education in sub-Saharan Africa. Helene Dameris, Director of Global Outreach for KTG, was deeply inspired by the shared passion and commitment of these two extraordinary women. Their conversation highlighted a promising alignment of goals and the potential for impactful collaboration to enhance pediatric eye care in the region.
The David and Molly Pyott Foundation has been a driving force in improving eye care in developing countries, with a significant focus on Zambia. Over the past seven years, their collaboration with Orbis International and the Zambia Ministry of Health, has centered on training ophthalmologists, effectively doubling their number in the country. Molly highlighted the importance of also working closely with optometrists, nurses, clinical officers and community health workers to support screenings, eyeglass distribution, and pediatric outreach in schools. Orbis, through support of the Foundation, also procures essential resources like ophthalmic equipment, transportation, consumables, and critical supplies such as artificial tears, which, though non-prescription, are desperately needed in underserved areas.
The Pyotts’ partnership with Orbis has enabled transformative change in the region. From 2022 to 2024, the David and Molly Pyott Foundation donated US $4 million to strengthen ophthalmologist training, provide cutting-edge equipment, and fund community education. An earlier $2 million investment from 2019 to 2021 supported the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Eye Hospital in the capital city of Lusaka, training 29 ophthalmologists and advancing pediatric eye care services. Additionally, Zambia’s ophthalmic clinical officers, who are trained to perform cataract surgeries, reflect how innovative practices and task-shifting can address the shortage of specialized surgeons in the region.
Molly shared insights from her fifth visit to Zambia, emphasizing the importance of building trust within remote communities to embrace best practices in medicine, addressing gender equity in cataract surgeries, and increasing the number of trained ophthalmologists. This comprehensive approach includes equipping volunteers with bicycles, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, to overcome transportation barriers and bring education and services to rural areas. Engaging key community leaders has also proven instrumental in promoting screenings and treatment. Furthermore, Zambia has become a training hub for doctors from neighboring countries like Botswana, Lesotho, and Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia,reflecting Orbis and the Pyott Foundation’s regional impact. Molly told Megan she often remarks, “Small organ, small community,” noting the testament to the global ophthalmology field’s close-knit network of dedicated professionals united in their shared goal of transforming lives through vision care.
The conversation also highlighted connections with other influential figures in global ophthalmology, such as Dr. Geoff Tabin of the Himalayan Cataract Project (now called Cure Blindness) and Dr. Sanduk Ruit, who pioneered the “Nepal Method” for cataract surgery, which has revolutionized care in underserved areas. Molly expressed admiration for the collaborative efforts of organizations like COECSA (College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa) and partnerships with institutions like the Rwanda Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. Their work also extends to advancing gender equity in cataract surgeries in Tanzania with their partner EyeCorps.
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Zambia still faces a severe shortage of pediatric ophthalmologists, with cultural barriers often delaying access to care. For instance, at Kitwe Hospital, the sole pediatric ophthalmologist must manage the entire hospital, underscoring the overwhelming demands on specialists. The Pyotts’ ongoing efforts, in collaboration with Orbis, to address these systemic challenges and deliver high-quality care are making a significant impact.
The conversation also turned to retinoblastoma (RB) detection, a core focus of KTG’s mission. Current screening programs in Zambia often identify cases too late, typically when children are 5 or 6 years old. Early detection is crucial, and Molly expressed interest in exploring ways to integrate KTG’s innovative resources into Zambia’s existing programs. By enhancing early detection efforts for children aged 0-5, KTG and the Pyott Foundation could significantly improve outcomes for children with RB and other vision-threatening conditions.
The Pyotts long-term commitment in Zambia is inspired by historical ties to Scottish national health services, Dr. David Livingstone’s legacy, and David Pyott’s, a native of Glasgow, extensive experience in global ophthalmology through his leadership in the eyecare industry.
Megan Webber left the conversation deeply inspired by the Pyotts’ comprehensive approach and unwavering commitment to creating lasting change. Combining the Pyott Foundation’s established presence in Zambia with KTG’s focus on early detection and awareness creates a remarkable opportunity to address childhood blindness. Together, they envision a future where no child’s sight is lost due to late detection of preventable conditions—a future that offers not just vision, but hope.
