Globally, more than 12.7 million men, women, and children needlessly suffer in the dark. Corneal blindness is preventable in approximately 80% of cases worldwide. In many instances, all it takes is a trained person and a few dollars’ worth of antibiotics to save a person’s eyesight.

SightLife International takes a health systems approach to addressing the inequities that contribute to and perpetuate corneal blindness worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They draw on five decades of sight-restoring experience to expand the network, capacity, and capabilities of their partners globally, while also co-creating sustainable strategies and programs to improve corneal health outcomes in the regions they serve, from Africa to Greater Asia.

Most recently, SightLife International joined forces with HCP Cureblindness to make a greater global impact in eye care. Building on their shared commitment to training, while also combining HCP Cureblindness’ deep expertise in specialized care delivery and infrastructure development with SightLife International’s expertise in primary care and policy and advocacy, they will ensure millions of men, women, and children across Asia and Africa have access to the eye care they need to thrive.

The work of this leading global health organization started with humble beginnings as the Northwest Lions Eye Bank in 1969, which utilized volunteers from the local Lions Club to coordinate the gift of sight. These volunteers worked with families who lost loved ones to procure eye tissue so that others may see. After decades of meeting the local demand and recognizing the growing need in low- and middle-income countries, SightLife launched the International Programs in 2009. To date, SightLife International has been instrumental in restoring sight and preventing blindness for more than 225,000 individuals around the world and providing clinical training for more than 7,000 health care providers.

Read the full article about Sightlife International by Tyler LePard at Global Washington.