Wazi: An AT impact story

Kate Mattick, Louise Gebbett

March 28, 2023

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“My eyes no longer tear up all the time and I haven't got any headaches as well which wasn't the case before I started using the Wazi vision eyeglasses” - AT user

$Professonial photograph of a woman posing with stylish glasses. The female in the photo is black and is wearing a bright yellow jumper against a red background$

In this impact story we share the journey of Wazi who create high-quality, fashionable eyewear designed and manufactured in Africa with the aim of reducing stigma around eyecare health. Wazi is the first prescription eyewear brand designed, created, manufactured and distributed in East Africa, specialising in local designs highlighting African ingenuity and creativity, and offering dignity of choice.

AT2030 has worked with Wazi to test and validate a business model for sustainable scale - building production efficiency, brand profile and a distributor led approach, alongside a new manufacturing partnership with a leading international supplier.

Wazi sell through Business to Customer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B), with a % of profits support Wazi’s non-profit arm that aims to reach into low income segments across eye care in Uganda. The Assistive Tech Impact Fund (ATIF) has supported Wazi to introduce unique designs made by over 120 African artists inspired by African stories.

The Impact

Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels (a global, tech-enabled impact measurement company) conducted a survey with 66 Wazi eyeglasses users in Uganda. They wanted to capture and understand the impact the AT and venture had on the end-user.

Their results:

72% reported the eyeglasses had improved their life. The reasons for increased positive changes were described by eyeglass users as being related to improved ability to see, read and experiencing reduced discomfort.
83% of those who had used the Wazi service reported they would recommend the companys products or services to others (Net Promoter Score). This high satisfaction rating was driven by reported comfort, affordability and good design of the product.
30% further reported they were accessing eyewear for the first time, meaning that without Wazi, these user may have not been able to experience the benefits of glasses
44% reported their participation in social gatherings and events had very much increased while using their AT

Quotes from survey respondents further highlight the impact of having AT on participation:

“My reading improved and have managed to get back to my work with ease which was not the case before getting the reading eyeglasses but now my life has really improved since it's through reading that I can earn a living.” - AT user

These impact measures and quotes clearly demonstrate how access to an affordable and stylish AT product, can create life changing results for the users and growth for the venture.

Find out more about Wazi's impact and journey with this showcase board