Vision Ability Zimbabwe (VAZ) is proud to celebrate its Founder and Executive Director, Dr Deborah Tigere, following the conferment of her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Disaster Management.
Her doctoral thesis, titled “Uncorrected Refractive Errors: Their Impact on the Quality of Life – A Case of Learners at Primary and Secondary Levels in Zimbabwe,” provides valuable evidence on how uncorrected refractive errors affect learners’ quality of life, participation and educational experiences.The achievement strengthens the evidence base underpinning VAZ’s work in eye health, disability inclusion, early identification and referral, access to spectacles, low-vision services, rehabilitation and inclusive education.Dr Tigere’s research highlights the importance of identifying vision difficulties early and ensuring that children and young people are connected to appropriate eye-care and support services. Timely intervention can improve learning, participation, independence and overall quality of life.For Vision Ability Zimbabwe, the milestone further strengthens our commitment to linking research, policy and practice in addressing avoidable vision impairment and promoting equitable access to eye-health services.The evidence generated through the study will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen policies, referral pathways, programmes and service-delivery systems for learners with vision difficulties in Zimbabwe. It also has wider relevance to regional and global conversations on equitable eye health, inclusive education and disability-inclusive development.Vision Ability Zimbabwe congratulates Dr Deborah Tigere on this significant academic achievement and looks forward to translating the knowledge generated through her research into meaningful action for children, young people and communities.