Where we work
Sightsavers works in more than 30 countries in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Our work focuses on low and middle income countries in Africa and Asia.
In 2019 we carried out more than 11 million eye examinations across the countries where we work, and distributed more than 142 million treatments to prevent and treat debilitating diseases.
Our first programmes in the 1950s started in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, with several other African countries following in the next two decades. In the 1960s and 70s we also expanded into Asia with our first projects in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and continued to extend our work across Africa. We now work in 31 countries, and have project offices in 25. Most recently, we started work in Yemen in 2018, distributing treatments for neglected tropical diseases.
Our work in Sri Lanka came to an end in 2016, marking an exciting milestone: it’s the first time we’ve been able to finish our work in a country, satisfied that the eye care services we’ve set up can continue without us.
Our history
Sightsavers has been changing lives and restoring sight worldwide since 1950.
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Pakistan
“Restoring people’s sight and empowering people with disabilities gives me immense satisfaction.”
Munazza Gillani, country director
More from Pakistan
Zambia
“Saving people’s sight isn’t just my job: it's my calling. I’m happy to help children have a brighter future.”
Mr Ndalela, ophthalmic doctor
Read Mr Ndalela’s story
Uganda
“If we are all Ugandans, we should all be treated equally. That is what I want: to see change.”
Edith Kagoya, programme manager
Read Edith’s story
Learn more about how we save sight worldwide
About SightsaversOur work around the globe
“Taking photos helps people to understand our problems”
People in Nigeria with diseases affecting the skin have shared their photos as part of a research project into how these conditions can be better managed.
Innovations for disability inclusion
Discover how Sightsavers’ innovations are improving the lives of people with disabilities through the Inclusive Futures programme.
The Gambia’s milestone journey to trachoma elimination
As The Gambia becomes the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate the disease, four people tell their stories about reaching this life-changing goal.
March 2021 updates: highlights from around the world
A campaign to protect school children from worm infections has been launched in Cameroon. Plus news from Burkina Faso, India and more.
The fight against "the silent thief of sight"
As part of the Keep Sight project in Nigeria, eye surgeons are learning new ways to treat patients with glaucoma.
February 2021 updates: highlights from around the world
An inclusive work programme in Kenya has helped farmers with disabilities launch a lucrative business. Plus news from Pakistan, Mozambique, Malawi and more.
A bright future: saving sight in Tanzania
Across Tanzania, six newly qualified ophthalmic assistants are putting their skills to work supporting remote eye screening camps and testing sight in local hospitals.
World NTD Day 2021: highlights from around the world
On 30 January 2021, Sightsavers joined global celebrations to mark the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
January 2021 updates: highlights from around the world
In Côte d’Ivoire, eye health staff have been working to ensure eye surgery is COVID-safe. Plus news from Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Ghana and more
