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 2018 we carried out more than 16 million eye examinations across the countries where we work, and distributed more than 113 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. 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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DONATEMeet our staff around the world
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
Meet the miking team, spreading the word about free eye health care
In Bangladesh, we know the best way to make sure no one is left behind is to take health information directly to their doorstep. Enter the miking team!
March updates: highlights from around the world
Illustrations are helping researchers understand NTDs in Nigeria, plus news from Mozambique, Pakistan, India and the UK.
February updates: highlights from around the world
A river blindness mapping survey is producing positive results in Mozambique, plus news from Guinea-Bissau, Pakistan and Burkina Faso.
Treating river blindness in Burkina Faso
Sightsavers is working towards the elimination of trachoma and river blindness in Burkina Faso, thanks to our partnership with L’Occitane Foundation.
Educating pre-school children when resources are scarce
Sightsavers’ Ronnie Stapleton visited pre-schools across Malawi to train teachers how to include children with disabilities. She also learned a lot along the way.
January updates: highlights from around the world
A baby born with cataracts is smiling again following surgery in Zambia, plus stories from India, Nigeria and Bangladesh.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: highlights from around the world
On 30 January, Sightsavers joined in celebrations for the first ever World NTD Day around the world.
Caring for patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo may have the highest burdens of neglected tropical diseases. But people on the ground are working to protect communities.
Stories from the SHIP eye health project in Pakistan
Sightsavers’ eye health screening project in Pakistan is helping children see and learn all over the country. We listen to stories of some of the children we have helped.
