In a bid to bridge the eye care gap in Uganda, Lapaire Uganda has launched its 19th branch, strategically located at Ku Ttaano in Kawempe, opposite Shell Kutano.
This newest facility marks the company’s 15th outlet within the Kampala metropolitan area, reaffirming its mission to provide affordable, accessible, and quality eye care across the country.
The grand opening on Tuesday, September 23, drew hundreds of community members eager to take advantage of free eye screenings and learn about maintaining good eye health.
Speaking at the event, Lapaire’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, John Hillary Balyejusa, emphasized the company’s commitment to making eye care accessible for all.
“Our goal is simple — to make eye care accessible to every African. We believe that clear sight changes everything,” Balyejusa said. “With transparent pricing and flexible payment plans, we are ensuring that even Ugandans with low or medium incomes can afford quality eye services.”
Balyejusa noted that while Uganda’s population is nearing 50 million, the country has only around 500 eye specialists — an alarming disparity that highlights the urgent need for more accessible and affordable services.
“The challenge with eye health is that many defects are painless. By the time symptoms arise, it may be too late. That’s why we advocate for regular eye checks — at least once a year,” he added.
At the launch, the Lapaire team offered free eye tests, professional consultations, and on-site fittings for corrective glasses, many of which were provided at subsidized prices. The company’s eyeglasses start at just shs105,000, with instalment payment options designed to accommodate all income levels.
According to data from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, over 4.2 million people in the country suffer from some form of visual impairment, yet access to regular check-ups remains limited due to cost and the shortage of specialists.
Lapaire’s ongoing expansion is a direct response to this crisis. With branches now in nearly every region, the company has set an ambitious target of testing 1 million people across Uganda in the coming weeks.
The Kawempe branch will remain open seven days a week, offering free eye testing and professional consultations to the public. Additionally, Lapaire announced partnerships with local schools and institutions to promote eye health awareness and encourage young Ugandans to pursue careers in optometry — a field in dire need of professionals.
As the company continues to scale its operations, Lapaire remains focused on its core belief: quality vision care is not a luxury — it’s a basic human need.
