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
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.
Communities in Nigeria drive the fight against COVID-19
The most effective way to tackle health issues is to put affected communities in the driving seat – COVID-19 is no different.
Voices from Sierra Leone: The experiences of girls with disabilities at school
In Sierra Leone, children with disabilities are often considered not worth educating. We've worked with schools to make sure these children are not left behind.
How Sightsavers has helped to adapt braille into Mali’s local language
As part of Sightsavers' inclusive education project, which supports children with visual impairments across Mali, we’ve worked with linguistic expert Dr Issiaka Ballo to translate braille into the local language for the first time.
Keeping patients safe during a global pandemic
How research is helping trachoma specialists choose the best face shields to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Stepping up to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana
Ghana has not been spared in the coronavirus crisis, but luckily the country started its response early, with NTD support redirected.
How NTD programmes helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Liberia
The Ascend West and Central Africa programme partners helped Liberia respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Here, we tell how.
How one project touched 34 million lives
As the 17-year-long Seeing is Believing project comes to an end, Imran Khan goes behind the scenes to reveal why it has made such an impact.
