Corneal conditions that deny millions in low- and middle-income countries their right to sight are preventable, treatable, and often reversible. With your help, KeraLink International will eradicate corneal blindness everywhere.
Driving a “See” Change
KeraLink International (KLI) is the only organization in the world solely committed to eradicating corneal blindness in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We are uniting healthcare providers, technology innovators, philanthropists, and investors into a collaborative three-pronged strategy we call the PEN approach: Preventing injuries and infections that lead to corneal blindness; Early detection and treatment to stop vision loss from advancing; and Novel therapies – including investment in alternatives to tissue transplantation – to preserve and restore sight naturally, affordably, and sustainably.
AI’s Next Frontier: Keratitis Detection
Ophthalmology has championed artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting retinal diseases and glaucoma, but the use of AI technology to detect and predict corneal disease has lagged. KLI is bridging this gap, collaborating globally to curate a keratitis image library that can fuel an AI diagnostic app on a portable device. This project aims to empower non-clinicians in LMICs to screen and rapidly refer potential cases, assuring timely treatment. The image database is crucial to preventing and treating corneal conditions that may lead to blindness.
Addressing Preventable Blindness
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious viral conjunctivitis that can lead to severe ocular complications, including corneal opacities that can obstruct vision and, in extreme cases, lead to blindness. A wave of this infection has engulfed India. KeraLink International seeks to develop new products and programs to address treatable corneal conditions like EKC in LMICs. Effective strategies to prevent, control, and treat EKC directly contribute to reducing the incidence and prevalence of corneal blindness.
KeraLink and Shroff’s: Partnering for Corneal Health
KLI has established a partnership with Shroff’s Charitable Eye Hospital (SCEH) in New Delhi, India. SCEH is a globally renowned eye care organization and a cornerstone of eye health in India. Both SCEH and KLI bring to the table decades of expertise, resources, and established networks as their foundation. Together, we aim to revolutionize corneal services with a focus on enhancing early detection, leveraging innovative technologies, amplifying teleophthalmology, and expanding training initiatives for ophthalmologists.
World Sight Day 2023: Thursday, October 12
KLI proudly encourages people everywhere to prioritize their eye health and pledge to #LoveYourEyes this year for World Sight Day. Sponsored by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP), World Sight Day 2023 focuses on eye health in the workplace where – especially in LMICs – injuries that lead to corneal blindness often occur.
