Sightsavers

Working with local organisations and governments Sightsavers tackles eye conditions including cataract, which renders around 20 million people blind. Yet a simple and quick operation can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one, successfully restoring sight. River blindness is a major cause of blindness in West and Central Africa, robbing thousands of their sight. Sightsavers works across Africa to distribute Mectizan, the drug which kills the baby worms that are the cause of blindness. Other focuses of our work include trachoma, low vision and glaucoma.

Where sight cannot be restored Sightsavers supports blind children and adults to live fuller and more active lives within their communities. Projects include rehabilitation, counselling, training and sometimes small business loans. We also support inclusive education, which enables children.