Cataract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, it’s most often treatable: a simple 20 minute operation can restore someone’s sight. While cataracts are more common as people age, young people can also have cataract. Sadly, millions are unable to access treatment. This is what we’re working to fix.
Trachoma
Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, responsible for the visual impairment or blindness of about 1.9 million people. Trachoma is most prevalent in poor and remote communities with poor access to water and sanitation. Without medical treatment, the eyelashes turn inwards, excruciatingly destroying the eye and eventually, causing irreversible blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy
Thanks to changing diets and lifestyles, diabetes is becoming a global epidemic. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by diabetes and can result in irreversible damage to the eye and permanent blindness. Every person with diabetes is at risk of going blind. Diabetes will impact people in developing countries the most, putting a huge strain on already under resourced health systems.
Uncorrected refractive error
Uncorrected refractive error is the most common cause of vision impairment, and the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Refractive error needs to be diagnosed by an eye care professional, and can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Refractive error affects people of all ages, impacting people’s ability to work and study.
"Every eye is an eye. When you are doing surgery there, that is just as important as if you were doing eye surgery on the prime minister or the king."
Disclaimer: the content on this page is not intended to be medical advice. For medical advice, please contact your local health professional.
