About Sightsavers

Our vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and where everyone can participate equally in society.

At Sightsavers, we start with sight, but we don’t stop there.

We treat eye conditions such as cataracts and tackle debilitating diseases, many of which cause sight loss. To do this, we work with governments and local, national and international partners to carry out eye operations and distribute treatments where they’re needed.

We help to improve health services so they are sustainable and make education more inclusive for children with disabilities. We also advocate for the rights of women, girls and people with disabilities.

We have 75 years of experience, and we’re proud to be a leader in our field. Our programmes consistently achieve high performance ratings from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Where do donations go?
91% of donations, including donated supplies, go to our vital charity work, and 9% help us grow our awareness and funding.

Since Sightsavers was founded, we’ve carried out 9.25 million cataract operations

We’ve trained almost 350,000 people with disabilities to help them earn a living

We’ve distributed 1.7 billion treatments to prevent debilitating diseases

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75 years of saving sight: learn how Sightsavers started

Our history

What we do

Protecting sight

We prevent sight loss and avoidable blindness in some of the poorest parts of the world by treating conditions such as cataracts and refractive error.
Our work to protect sight

Fighting disease

We help to treat and prevent five debilitating diseases that affect more than a billion people. These are known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
About the diseases

Disability and inclusion

We promote equal opportunities and campaign for inclusion so everyone can go to school, get a job, access health care and take part in society.
Our inclusion work

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Where we work

Sightsavers has a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, focusing on Africa and Asia.

We work closely with communities and recruit local volunteers to help us carry out our work. We also partner with regional, national and international organisations, governments and non-governmental organisations.
Find out where we work

How we’re run

We aim to perform to the highest standards, and we strive to be as transparent as possible so you can be sure your money is being used wisely.

We can only achieve our goals thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Every gift you give is vital in achieving Sightsavers’ goal of eliminating avoidable blindness and promoting equality for people with disabilities. Read about how we’re run

Our president is Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, and our patron is His Majesty The King. Read about our royal ambassadors

Sightsavers in depth:

Why donate to Sightsavers?

How your gift can help

How you can get involved

Achiwa sits outside her home with her great granddaughter Shameem.

Fundraising and donations

There are many ways you can fundraise for us or donate to transform the future for people in the poorest parts of the world.

Two women smile and hug: both are wearing colourful clothes. One has a visual impairment.

Support our campaign work

We campaign for the rights of people with disabilities to go to school, find a job and take part fully in society.

Become a corporate partner

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our corporate partners: your support can have a huge impact.

Nine-year-old Khadijah at school with her friend after successful cataract surgery. They're sitting at a desk writing on a shared piece of paper, wearing their blue school uniforms.

Nine-year-old Khadijah (right) is no longer at risk of going blind.

Will you help us ensure more children can enjoy a future free from blindness?

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Protecting sight, fighting disease and promoting equality for all

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.