Cataract is the leading cause of vision loss throughout the world and the backlog of untreated cataract is rapidly increasing as a result of the ageing population. We aim to unite the eye-health sector and donors in delivering sustainable, high-quality eye-health models in countries where the cataract is most prevalent, such as the development of small-scale surgical centers to perform high volumes of cataract surgeries at low cost. We want to inspire international donors to restore sight to the millions who are currently denied access to sight-saving surgery.
There are 36 million people around the world living with blindness. Almost 90% of these people live in developing countries. Blindness means that children can’t go to school, providers can’t work to support their families, and older people lose their independence. The good news is that four out of five people who are blind don’t need to be. This means we can do something to prevent, treat or manage their blindness. This is a global challenge, but we know how to fix it. Everybody – no matter who they are or where they live – has a right to sight. That world is within our reach. To make it a reality, we need a diverse, worldwide coalition of changemakers to join us.
Vision impairment and blindness can impact anybody at any age, drastically changing their day-to-day life and making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Without concerted action, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be 115 million people living with blindness, with almost 90% of them living in countries where services are limited, where it is often difficult to access even the most basic tests and treatments.
As well as generating awareness, it’s essential to invest in vision and support eye health care services in marginalized communities and developing countries.
Doing so will stimulate the broader economy, while bringing life-changing benefits to people in need and their carers.
Giving people back their vision has tremendously positive outcomes for their employment prospects, finances, physical wellbeing, and mental health. When people are given the opportunity to join the workforce and earn wages, they are able to lift themselves and their communities out of hardship and financial distress.
That is why we are dedicated to reaching as many people as possible and restoring their sight.
