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.
Sightsavers has been changing lives and restoring sight worldwide since 1950.
Read our story“Restoring people’s sight and empowering people with disabilities gives me immense satisfaction.”
Munazza Gillani, country director
More from Pakistan
“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
“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
The most effective way to tackle health issues is to put affected communities in the driving seat – COVID-19 is no different.
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The Ascend West and Central Africa programme partners helped Liberia respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Here, we tell how.
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Meet the teams that Sightsavers partners with around the world to help them foster more disability inclusive workplaces.