The Gift of Sight: Cure Blindness Project Celebrates World Sight Day Expanding Access to Millions in Six New Geographies Globally

Encourages Ophthalmologists Everywhere to Join Their Global Partners Program

Norwich, VT – 1 October 2024 – In celebration of World Sight Day (October 10), Cure Blindness Project, a leading non-profit dedicated to restoring vision globally, unveils a bold expansion plan, bringing sight-restoring services to six new geographies around the world: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Zambia.  

This ambitious move marks the global non-profit's historic foray into South America, significantly broadening its reach beyond its established focus on sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Since 1995, Cure Blindness Project has delivered sight-saving care in 25 countries, and this expansion marks a pivotal step towards their goal: a world free from avoidable blindness.

“The time has come to amplify our impact,” declares K-T Overbey, CEO of Cure Blindness Project. “From tackling cataract blindness in the Himalayas to now tackling all forms of treatable blindness across 30 countries, our commitment to eradicating this issue is unwavering. We are relentless in our pursuit of a brighter ‘seeable’ future for all, but we cannot do it alone.”

Cure Blindness Project's success stems from their robust network of global partners. This expansion leverages their proven model, focusing initially on delivering high-volume, high-quality cataract surgeries while simultaneously empowering local healthcare providers through targeted training programs. This dual approach ensures immediate relief for those waiting for sight-restoring procedures, while also building sustainable capacity for future needs.

“Underserved communities bear the brunt of the global eye care crisis,” says Cure Blindness Project’s Chief Program Officer Josie Noah. “Our expansion partners have a proven track record of excellence, allowing us to reach these vulnerable populations and finally offer them the life-changing gift of sight.”

Since its inception, Cure Blindness Project, along with their partners, has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Over 1.6 million sight-restoring surgeries performed.
• 16.5 million eye screenings conducted.
• Five eye hospitals established.
• Over 20,100 eye care professionals trained across 43 countries, including 644 ophthalmologists.
• 2023 acquisition of SightLife International, further bolstering the organization's expertise in corneal blindness treatment and prevention.

As Cure Blindness Project approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, their vision remains unwavering: to empower nations to eradicate avoidable blindness. They achieve this through their strategic four-pronged approach:

• Build local capacity.
• Develop high-quality infrastructure and equipment.
• Deliver comprehensive patient care.
• Implement effective prevention strategies.

“We believe in a holistic approach that addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term solutions,” states Overbey. “Our expansion reaffirms our core mission: partnering with underserved communities worldwide to build sustainable, cost-effective eye care systems that pave the way for a world free from avoidable blindness.”

Open Eyes to a Brighter Future: How Ophthalmologists Can Get Involved  

Cure Blindness Project invites ophthalmologists to join their mission and become Cure Blindness Project Global Partners. By joining this dedicated community, ophthalmologists directly contribute to empowering healthcare professionals in underserved regions, ultimately changing lives and restoring sight to millions. Visit cureblindness.org/globalpartners to learn more about the impact ophthalmologists can make.