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Vrouw na staaroperatie in Nepal

Visual handicap and poverty

Worldwide, millions of people live with an eye condition that is easily preventable or treatable. As many as 89% of them live in low- and middle-income countries, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas where access to medical care is limited.

In these regions, poor vision has a profound impact. People who are blind or visually impaired are often unable to work, attend school, or live independently. For vulnerable communities, this leads not only to personal hardship but also to increased poverty and social exclusion.

The most common eye conditions are cataract, refractive errors such as myopia, and glaucoma. In children, eye problems can have a lasting effect on their development and school performance. Fortunately, 80% of these cases can be prevented or treated—often with a simple cataract surgery or a pair of prescription glasses. Help people unlock their potential and prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

In the regions where Eye Care Foundation operates, many people live far from hospitals and eye care professionals. In some areas, there are only a few ophthalmologists per million inhabitants. Due to distance, poverty, and a lack of infrastructure, access to care is simply out of reach. That is why, in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Vietnam, and Tanzania, we bring eye care directly to the people. Through sustainable eye clinics, well-trained local medical staff, and mobile outreach camps, we reach those living in the most remote and vulnerable communities.

Insight into avoidable blindness

  • Globally, there are 285 million people with a visual handicap
  • 80% of which are preventable or cured, for example, by cataract surgery or prescription eyeglasses
  • For € 35, you directly donate cataract surgery or an eye exam + prescription eyeglasses

Read more about

Cataracts are the main cause of blindness in low- and middle-income countries

Deze landkaart toont de landen waar staar de belangrijkste oorzaak van blindheid is

Draag bij aan behandeling en preventie

Behandelingen tegen blindheid en slechtziendheid behoren tot de meest effectieve en betaalbare vormen van gezondheidszorg. Met eenvoudige bril of staaroperatie herstellen we niet alleen zicht, maar ook zelfstandigheid, onderwijs, werk en toekomstperspectief.

Eye Care Foundation werkt aan een wereld waarin onnodige blindheid en slechtziendheid geen mensen meer buitensluit in de meest afgelegen gebieden van Cambodja, Loas, Nepal, Vietnam en Tanzania.

Doneer en help mee om zicht én kansen terug te geven.

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