About

Objectives

Our Approach to Reducing Curable Blindness: Sustainable Eye Care

Sight Relief is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). We provide vital eye care services in rural, low- and middle-income countries, aiming to reduce preventable blindness and enhance access to quality care. Through a sustainable, community-driven approach, we empower local populations with the resources and education needed to ensure long-term eye health. Our mission is to create lasting impact by addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability, with a commitment to reducing curable blindness through a comprehensive four-phase approach.

Sustainable Development Goals

Phase One: Eye Screening Camps

Phase One focuses on providing immediate relief through eye screening camps in rural areas. These camps offer basic vision screening, assess and manage anterior eye conditions, and screen for cataracts. Key activities include:

· Vision assessments and screenings

· Distribution of corrective glasses and eye drops

· Referrals for advanced treatments, including cataract surgeries

These camps not only address urgent needs but also raise awareness about eye health and prevention, setting the foundation for sustainable care.

Phase Two: Local Capacity Building

Phase Two focuses on empowering community health workers and volunteers to independently lead future eye care initiatives. Identifying volunteers from within the community enables us to build local capacity, creating a self-sustaining model for long-term eye health improvements.

Phase Three: Formal Training and Sustainable Partnerships

Phase Three focuses on formal training for local health workers and creating lasting partnerships. Key components include:

· Formal Training Programs: Teaching vision screening, eye exams, and identification of common eye conditions

· Community Health Worker Empowerment: Training local workers to offer screenings and make referrals

· Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness through local media and influencers

· Technology Integration: Using telemedicine and mobile apps to enhance care delivery

This phase ensures eye care is efficient, effective, and sustainable for the future.

Phase Four: Establish a Permanent Eye Care Facility

Phase Four involves establishing a permanent eye care facility to provide continuous, comprehensive care. Key components include:

· Community Needs Assessment: Identifying specific eye health needs and barriers to access

· Facility Construction: Building a state-of-the-art eye care centre

· Local Workforce Development: Training local healthcare professionals for culturally competent care

· Community Outreach and Education: Offering programs to promote regular check-ups and early detection

This phase creates a lasting infrastructure for eye care, ensuring services are available long-term and integrated with the local health system.

Together, our approach empowers communities, providing them with the tools and knowledge to address eye health for generations to come.

 

Local team in Pakistan, comprising of optometrists, dispensing opticians, community leaders and trained community health workers.