Cure Blindness Project Unveils Global Expansion Plan on World Sight Day
In honor of World Sight Day on October 10, the non-profit Cure Blindness Project announced an expansion plan that will extend its sight-restoring services to six new countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Zambia. This move marks the organization’s entry into South America, further solidifying its impact across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Since its inception in 1995, Cure Blindness Project has delivered sight-saving care in 25 countries. With this new expansion, the organization edges closer to its goal of a world free from avoidable blindness.
“The time has come to amplify our impact,” K-T Overbey, CEO of Cure Blindness Project, said in a news release. “From tackling cataract blindness in the Himalayas to now addressing treatable blindness in 30 countries, our commitment remains unwavering. We are relentless in our pursuit of a brighter, 'seeable' future for all, but we cannot do it alone.”
The organization’s success is rooted in its global partnerships, and this expansion leverages a proven model. Initially, the focus will be on delivering high-volume, high-quality cataract surgeries, while empowering local healthcare providers through specialized training programs. This approach ensures immediate relief for patients while building long-term capacity to meet future needs.
“Underserved communities bear the brunt of the global eye care crisis,” said Josie Noah, Chief Program Officer of Cure Blindness Project. “By working with expansion partners who have a track record of excellence, we can reach the most vulnerable populations and offer them the life-changing gift of sight.”
Since its founding, Cure Blindness Project, alongside its partners, has made significant progress:
- Over 1.6 million sight-restoring surgeries performed
- 16.5 million eye screenings conducted
- Five eye hospitals established
- More than 20,100 eye care professionals trained across 43 countries, including 644 ophthalmologists
- Acquisition of SightLife International in 2023, bolstering its expertise in corneal blindness treatment and prevention
“We believe in a holistic approach that addresses immediate needs while fostering long-term solutions,” said Mr. Overbey. “Our expansion reinforces 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.”
The Cure Blindness Project encourages ophthalmologists to join their mission and become Cure Blindness Project Global Partners. For more information, visit www.cureblindness.org/globalpartners. To learn more about the Cure Blindness Project's mission, visit www.cureblindness.org.