Our Mission
Dedicated to helping people who are traditionally underserved, Seva brings high quality eye care knowledge and resources to the farthest corners of the globe. We take pride in working with marginalized communities in developing countries to ensure the power of sight is within everyone’s reach.
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Why Sight?
An estimated 253 million people live with vision impairment: 36 million are blind and 217 million have moderate to severe vision impairment. Thankfully, 75% of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured. In fact, half of the world’s blindness is caused by cataracts, a condition that can be reversed with a 15-minute operation.
Sight Breaks the Cycle of Poverty
Blindness and poor vision can keep people trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. By restoring sight and preventing blindness, people are able to better take care of their health, contribute to their communities, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The World Bank ranked cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective health interventions that can be offered in low and middle income countries.
It Leads to Education and Opportunity
Globally, 19 million children are visually impaired or suffer from blindness. Children who have vision problems are often unable to get an education. Those who have their sight restored are given an average of 50 years of sight, allowing them to learn, play, and build bright futures.
It Empowers Women and Girls
More than half of people living with blindness and visual impairment are women and girls. Seva focuses on community-based approaches that tackle the social and economic barriers preventing women and girls from getting the care they need. As a result, women and girls can receive essential eye care and are able to lead healthy and productive lives.
It Creates a Profound and Immediate Impact
Most eye care treatments change lives right away. A pair of glasses brings the world into focus. A 15-minute cataract surgery restores sight and independence. Medication for eye infections prevents decades of blindness and suffering. High-quality eye care creates an immediate and lasting impact.
It Builds a Better Tomorrow
When you give sight back to one person, you give two people back their lives. 75% of visually impaired people are assisted with everyday living by a relative, neighbor or a child. By preventing blindness and restoring vision, children can go to school and adults can return to work. When more people are able to lead productive lives, entire communities have a chance at a better future.