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Embarking on a new chapter of global vision impact, HCP Cureblindness (Himalayan Cataract Project), which has helped millions of people through sight restoration and eye screenings, proudly announces its transformation into the Cure Blindness Project, effective July 30th. This rebranding marks a strategic evolution to better encompass the organization’s expanded geographical footprint and its unwavering commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide, whatever its cause.
A Visionary Transformation
“Our mission is and will always be to eliminate avoidable blindness,” explains K-T Overbey, CEO of Cure Blindness Project. “To do this, we work with in-country partners and providers to establish the foundation to build sustainable systems of care, in regions that need it most. We provide high-quality training and ensure the right equipment and infrastructure is available. We also work with valued partners to treat the backlog of blindness and establish prevention programs to stop treatable cases from progressing to blindness.”
“In nearly three decades,” Overbey continues, “we’ve proven our readiness and resolve. From our origins in the Himalayas to our current presence in many countries throughout South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to our future plans to expand further where and when it makes sense, Cure Blindness Project is committed to combating all forms of treatable blindness, wherever we’re needed.”
Impact on Sight
Since 1995, Cure Blindness Project, in collaboration with its valued partners, has:
The recent acquisition of SightLife International in 2023 bolsters its capability to address and prevent corneal blindness, which is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in many countries.
The Global Challenge of Blindness
Globally, 43 million people are blind, and 295 million suffer from moderate-to-severe vision impairment. Ninety percent of these individuals live in low-to-middle-income countries, where poor nutrition and limited access to eye care can lead to a life limited by needless blindness. Eighty percent of this burden is treatable or preventable.
With early detection and treatment, many causes of blindness can be addressed, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected. Almost half of blindness cases (17 million) are due to cataracts, which can be cured with a 10-minute surgery and $25 in material costs.
A Legacy of Restoring Sight
Cure Blindness Project’s multifaceted approach encompasses building local capacity, ensuring quality infrastructure and equipment are available, enabling quality patient care and aiding effective prevention to ensure lasting impact. This action-based approach builds local leadership, empowers key actors, and fosters sustainable practices from the ground up.
Our relationships with academic global leaders and the expertise and experience they bring allow us to strategically work towards creating systems of sustainable care. Leading clinicians facilitate training to elevate local providers. Trusted local partners allow Cure Blindness Project to deliver the highest quality of care.
Founding Visionaries
Cure Blindness Project was founded by two visionaries whose dedication and hard work laid the foundation for the organization’s success. Dr. Geoff Tabin and Dr. Sanduk Ruit believed it would take their lifetime to reverse rates of blindness in Nepal. Their proven model of care has today been replicated in countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Join the Global Mission to Cure Blindness
Cure Blindness Project invites ophthalmologists to become key partners in the fight against avoidable blindness. By joining as Global Partners, ophthalmologists can make a profound difference in underserved communities. For more information on how to get involved and support this life-changing mission, visit: www.cureblindness.org/globalpartners
