Lapaire, has opened its 19th branch in Uganda, located in Kawempe, a strategic addition marking its 15th branch in the Kampala metropolitan area.
Speaking at the launch, John Hilary, the Public Relations and Communications Officer for Lapaire in East Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to transforming eye care access across the continent.
“We are expanding in Uganda because we believe that every African deserves access to quality eye care. With Kawempe now on our map, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.” he said.
The new Kawempe branch will be managed by Helen Agundua with Shalom Kirabo serving as the resident eye specialist. Together, they will ensure that every client receives the same high-quality care that Lapaire is known for across all its branches.
The process remains simple and customer-friendly: Walk in for a free eye test, Receive expert advice and Get assistance choosing frames, starting at just Shs 105,000
“We haven’t changed our pricing model. In fact, we’ve kept it deliberately transparent and affordable, with flexible payment options to cater to low- and middle-income earners,” said Hilary.
With a population of nearly 50 million people, Uganda has only around 500 eye care specialists, a gap that continues to leave many without access to proper eye care. Contributing to this shortage is the limited number of training institutions: the Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Training School in Jinja and the School of Optometry at Makerere University remain the only centers producing trained eye care professionals.
“It’s a crisis we cannot ignore,” Hilary stated. “That’s why Lapaire is stepping in by bringing services closer to people and by encouraging more young people to join the field of optometry. If you’ve studied sciences and are passionate about healthcare, we encourage you to pursue this vital field.”
Lapaire urges Ugandans to adopt a proactive approach to eye health.
“Unlike many illnesses, most eye defects develop without pain, and by the time symptoms appear, it may already be too late,” Hilary warned. “We recommend getting an eye test at least once every six months.”
Kampala’s environment, including dust and strong UV exposure, increases the risk of eye issues for residents, making regular checkups even more critical.
In the coming weeks, Lapaire expects to hit a major milestone, one million eye tests conducted in Uganda in 2025 alone.
“Clear sight changes everything.It improves quality of life, boosts productivity, and empowers people to live fully. That’s the future we are working toward one branch, one test, and one person at a time.” Hilary said.
