Welcome to Focus magazine!

Together, we are making change happen. That’s why I’m proud to share this issue of Focus with you.

Inside the magazine, you’ll discover how your kindness is creating brighter, more independent futures for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

One of those people is Ruth, who I had the privilege of meeting through our work here in Malawi. As you’ll read, Sightsavers and our partners helped Ruth gain new skills, grow in confidence and start her own business. Seeing her determination, and the difference that opportunity can make, has stayed with me ever since.

Today, Ruth is able to earn a living and provide for her family with pride and independence. Stories like Ruth’s are unfolding every day across the countries where Sightsavers works – helping to save sight, eliminate devastating diseases and open doors to opportunity and equality. Thank you for making these incredible moments possible.

My warmest wishes,

Headshot photo of Benjamin Zalira

Benjamin Zalira
Sightsavers’ economic empowerment officer, Malawi

Ruth stands outside a brick house with two of her children.

Inside the printed magazine

  • Free from river blindness
  • Tackling trachoma in Turkana
  • Ruth’s inspiring story
  • Zayn and Saira’s transformation
  • Fundraising for Sightsavers

Not seen the print version of the magazine? You can download a copy of the latest issue here.

Read magazine (pdf)

Read the printed magazine here

Download Focus (pdf)
Ruth, who is wearing a head scarf, sits in front of a brick wall. Two of her children are sitting next to her.

“My future looks good”

Ruth, who is wearing a head scarf, sits in front of a brick wall. Two of her children are sitting next to her.

Ruth, a farmer and widowed mother of three, lost her sight as a teenager. Since then, she has faced stigma and struggled to earn a living.

Through our economic empowerment programme in Malawi, Ruth received training on modern farming methods. Today, she earns income from farming and selling homemade fried bread, helping her provide for her children and plan for a more independent future.

Read Ruth’s story

Spotlight on river blindness

In 1950, while standing on the banks of a river in Ghana, our co-founder Lady Jean Wilson witnessed the suffering river blindness causes. Shocked at what she saw, Lady Jean was determined to raise funds for treatment.

In this edition of Focus, Susan’s story, from Sierra Leone, shows how important protection and prevention are in reducing the risk of river blindness. No one should have to endure the pain of the condition, and together we can reach those still at risk.

Find out more about river blindness

Watch our video: Do you know these five things about river blindness?

River blindness in numbers

Eye icon.

1.1 million people are blind worldwide because of river blindness

8 million people are estimated to be at risk in Sierra Leone

Illustration of medication

700 million treatments have been delivered worldwide as of December 2025

Your opinion matters

Join Sightsavers’ Insights community and make your voice count. Share your thoughts about Sightsavers’ websites through surveys, interviews and more. Get involved

Saira and Zayn sat down smiling and laughing whilst reading books.

“Happiness is in our home again”

Zayn and Saira were struggling at school before an eye test changed everything. With their new glasses, they can now see clearly and learn with confidence.
Read Zayn and Saira’s story

Photo of Lydia smiling whilst writing in a book

Leave a gift in your will

Leaving a gift to Sightsavers in your will could ensure more children get the help they need to enjoy a brighter future. Your legacy can help change lives for generations to come. Learn about leaving a legacy gift

Your gift can make a difference

I would like to make a donation

In a year, your monthly donation could provide 15 pairs of glasses for children, like Zayn and Saira, diagnosed with refractive error.

In a year, your monthly donation could protect 10 communities, like Susan's, from river blindness.

In a year, your monthly donation could protect two communities, like Namoite's, from the agony of trachoma.

£
We're sorry, but the minimum donation we can take is £2
We're sorry, but we cannot process a donation of this size online. Please contact us on [email protected] for assistance donating over £10,000

Your donation could screen a classroom of children for a range of eye conditions.

Your donation could protect four communities, like Susan's, from river blindness.

Your donation could relieve the agony and save the sight of a patient with advanced trachoma.

£
We're sorry, but the minimum donation we can take is £2
We're sorry, but we cannot process a donation of this size online. Please contact us on [email protected] for assistance donating over £10,000