Past REAP Research

1 out of 3 adults in China are affected by cataracts or other illness that can result in preventable blindness. REAP stepped in to address the issue – we aimed to build capacity, boost demand, make local treatment sustainable, and measure the impact of cataract surgery in rural counties.

Rural communities lack an accessible source of quality health care. REAP researched available quality of care, ways to better educate rural clinicians, and evaluated delivery mechanisms to bring specialized health services directly to at-risk communities.

REAP worked to improve school quality to close the urban-rural education gap, gender difference in education, and improve education access for rural students.

Uncorrected myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is among the most prevalent health problems for China’s school aged children. REAP has undertaken a number of studies to define the dimensions of the problem and identify cost effective solutions.

REAP explored the use of technology to improve schooling and health outcomes, both by providing children with extra help inside and outside of school, and by educating parents in remote areas.

We launched a social enterprise based on our research. Smart Focus operates a growing network of vision centers that partner with school districts to screen and dispense glasses to thousands of children.

See current REAP research projects to see how we continue to work towards our goal of helping China's underserved population reach their full potential.