Abstract:
Eye problems have been recognized worldwide as one of the major public health problem
(WHO, 2010). Various studies indicate that adverse attitudinal environment makes it difficult
for persons with visual impairment to lead normal life (Etenesh, 2002). Ethiopia is believed to
have one of the World’s highest rate of being visual impairment ( 1.6% ) and low vision ( 3.7 %)
, of which more than 80 % is either treatable or preventable ( WHO,2018). The purpose of the
study is to assess the roles of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Rehabilitating
Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To undertake the study 67 targets
were selected (20 employees and 47 beneficiaries). The source of data is primary and secondary
sources. The primary data obtained from first hand sources NGO staff and the target
beneficiaries while the secondary sources were already prepared written documents such as
reports, proposals and project evaluations papers. The finding of the study has seen from two
sides. From the descriptive analysis point of view and from the secondary sources. With regard
to descriptive analysis, the study has been found out that all the respondents are not getting up
satisfied services in all interventions. The program is not strong enough in addressing problems
of visually impaired persons and also in examining the existing status of NGOs it has been found
out that there is low satisfaction from the respondents. In contrary to this, the result of secondary
sources displayed that the NGOs are striving to bring changes on the socio- economic related
changes of the target beneficiaries with maximum effort. Therefore, NGOs are suggested to
increase the implementation capacity with close collaboration with GO, VI networks and donor
agencies. Likewise, the NGOs diversifications of funding opportunities locally, abroad is very
vital. Lastly, VI persons need to demonstrate their talents/ skills to the wider community.
