From research to scaling-up programs: case study of Peek school eye health program in Trans-Nzoia county, Kenya

There are barriers to accessing eye health services by children especially in Low and Middle-Income Countries(LMIC), where the prevalence of visual impairment is highest. We report the process of scaling up the Peekschool screening program that was initially tested in a randomized clinical trial in Trans-Nzoia county, Kenya.The initial steps involved forming an advisory group that possessed expertise in technical, technological,managerial, and program management. The team used the PRIME framework to develop a theory of changeon how the intervention would work at scale-up. The team led the project implementation through the threephases of the PRIME framework (formative, implementation and scale up phases).In this study we report on this process and influencing factors. We conclude that it is feasible to translateresearch to scaled-up programs in LMICs. Important tools in this process include stakeholder mapping andengagement. The Peek school screening model is acceptable and effective in screening for visual impairmentin this population.