BALTIMORE—KeraLink International (KLI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making vision care affordable and accessible, announced that as the second quarter of 2026 closes, the group continues to build steady momentum across clinical training, innovation, and mission-aligned partnerships. The announcement highlighted that Q2 reinforced a singular focus on converting progress into quantifiable advancements in the availability of high-quality eyecare. “This quarter, together with our partners, we impacted 247,572 people through programs that expand access to quality eyecare, bringing our total impact to 4 million,” said Michelle Bockman, CEO of Keralink International. “Behind every number is a person, family, or community with greater access to the care they need, and every milestone brings us closer to ending avoidable blindness.”
This quarter, KeraLink’s programs continued to meet people where they are, whether in a classroom in the United States or a clinical training setting abroad. The goal was to remove barriers to sight through access, education, and follow-through care, the organization said.
On June 3, 2026, KeraLink and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital hosted the 10th Infective Keratitis Workshop at Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Forty-two eyecare professionals from 11 countries and 39 institutions participated in advanced training on diagnosis, microbiology, surgical management, and case-based learning for infectious keratitis, a leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide.
For the first time, optometrists joined the program through a partnership with VOSH International, expanding the reach of early detection and reinforcing cross-disciplinary care. VOSH is a global humanitarian nonprofit dedicated to providing free vision care and eye health services to people who cannot afford or access them.
During the week, KeraLink also celebrated programs and partnerships by honoring manager Chelsea Andrews, who was recognized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) with the Young Systems Leader Award. This prestigious recognition honors emerging leaders who are driving meaningful change in global eye health. Andrews’ dedication continues to strengthen sustainable eyecare systems through programs and partnerships.
In observance of National Sunglasses Day on June 27, KeraLink collaborated with Saving KidSight via its Hometown Heroes Program to hand out 200 pairs of children’s sunglasses. This initiative serves to promote lifelong vision wellness and underscore the importance of early eye protection.
The second quarter also marked the beginning of operational refinement for long-term sustainability. The goal is to maintain product access while ensuring consistent mission funding and greater efficiency across the program, and every purchase continues to support expanded access to vision care globally, the organization noted.
KeraX Venture Lab continues to drive innovation focused on preventing corneal blindness and expanding access to care. This spring, the KeraX team participated in the ASCRS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., and the Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Conference in Connecticut. These engagements connected KeraX with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners advancing new approaches in eye health, the announcement said.
Bockman noted that the organization’s focus this summer remains on scaling what works, deepening partnerships, and expanding impact where preventable blindness can still be stopped.
