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 34 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.
Read our storyYour donation could help to change lives
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
How trachoma surgery has changed lives in Côte d’Ivoire
As Côte d’Ivoire completes its final operations as part of the Accelerate programme to fight trachoma, hear the stories of some of the people involved.
June 2021 update: highlights from around the world
A round-up of our work that your donations are helping to support, including news from India, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Malawi.
Building a career in IT with the Bridge Academy
In Kenya, a Sightsavers initative is helping young people with disabilities launch their careers. Here, some of the students share their stories.
“Trachoma: go! We don’t want you!”
A video diary recorded by Sightsavers programme officer Iliezer Gomes Bidjonque gives a unique look at how we're tackling trachoma on the remote Bijagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau.
May update: highlights from around the world
In Pakistan, teachers have given insights into their experiences of vision screening in schools. Plus updates from Senegal, Mozambique and Nigeria.
How inclusive education is transforming lives
In Mali, a Sightsavers project is ensuring children with disabilities are able to learn alongside their peers. Students, teachers and parents describe how the project has made a difference.
“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.
