World Sight Day 2026
World Sight Day, on October 9, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vision. Cure Blindness Project joins the international eye health community to celebrate World Sight Day and "Love Your Eyes".
As part of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)’s global goal to collectively conduct 2 million eye screenings amongst its 250+ partners, Cure Blindness Project will facilitate more than 770,000 screenings across communities in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Advancing Sight-Saving Solutions in Africa
Ethiopia:
In the first half of 2025, we directly supported more than half (55%) of the total 36,400 cataract surgeries performed in the country. Since January, with partners, we have restored sight through 20,648 surgeries.
Ghana:
We recently organized a three-day training program for 40 ophthalmic nurses from five regions in Ghana. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of primary care personnel—often the first point of contact for individuals with eye health concerns, especially in underserved rural communities. Read more about this pilot program.
A call to action for what lies ahead
World Sight Day is a reminder that vision is essential to learning, to working, to living fully—and yet millions remain without access to the care they need. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that eye health becomes a priority for every community, everywhere.
K-T Overbey,
CEO, Cure Blindness Project
Strengthening Eye Health in South Asia
Bhutan:
With support from Cure Blindness Project and the World Health Organization, Bhutan's Ministry of Health is launching a new five-year National Eye Health Strategy—an essential step toward building sustainable, coordinated eye care systems nationwide.
This aligns with our long-standing commitment to Bhutan, where we have served as the primary eye health NGO for more than 20 years.
Nepal:
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, in collaboration with Cure Blindness Project, will lead a national eye-health awareness campaign featuring radio and video PSAs, media outreach, social media, workplace awareness and screenings, an eye-health exhibition and public transportation messaging. A “Love Your Eyes” photo booth and free registration for children and older adults will further encourage timely access to care.
India:
Students across multiple grade levels will participate in a “Love Your Eyes” school poster contest, encouraging conversations about the importance of healthy vision for learning, work, and everyday life. In Sikkim, a community eye screening and awareness campaign will reach hundreds by providing basic screenings, referrals and eye-health education.
Lasting Impact in the Carribean
Antigua and Barbuda:
In Antigua and Barbuda, a bold vision for eye health is taking shape. As a lead partner in the Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative, Cure Blindness Project will conduct 20,000 eye screenings, establish and equip two eye care centers, and host a surgical outreach—helping lay the foundation for the Caribbean’s first Blindness-Free Zone.
A Lasting Global Impact
This World Sight Day, we celebrate what we have achieved together with our donors and partners. Together we will continue to cure blindness with high-quality eye care, education, and world-class eye care infrastructure.
