Who runs the world?

Moms Run The World!

They help us take our first steps, teach us to keep our heads high, and support us in every which way.

And through the years, you’ve helped moms around the world regain their sight, and with it, regain their lives. But don’t just take our word for it – meet a few of the inspiring women who are living happier lives because of you!

Continue reading

👁️ ❤️ You!

Photo by Julie Nestingen

The story behind this photo radiates with your love. ❤️

On a trip to Nepal, voluntary ophthalmologist and Honorary Lifetime Board member, Dick Litwin found himself in front of hundreds of patients who had received life-changing eye surgery just hours earlier. No longer scared, these smiling faces would soon see the world anew. 

Looking from afar, Dr. Litwin couldn’t help but notice the bandages across patients’ eyes looked a bit heart-shaped. The tape reminded him of the arrow that runs down. And that’s when it hit him. Just as we’ve always sent paper heart Valentines to our loved ones for centuries, this was you – our Seva community – sending Valentines to the people of Nepal. Your gift of sight was a Valentine more powerful than any words, and sweeter than any candy.  

Continue reading

The leaders of tomorrow thank you!

Photo: Eye screening at Sree Saat Mul Secondary School – Nepal

Whitney Houston sang it loud & clear: “Children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way!” 

Sometimes, the leaders of tomorrow need support to succeed. For kids who struggle to see, life can be a challenge. They miss school, are ostracized by peers when their eyes appear different, & often face issues with self-esteem

Our school screening programs are designed to address this. We bring eye care to students, teachers, and parents exactly where they are – in the classroom!

Continue reading

Rap to Unwrap Unhappiness

Two boys in Tibet (China) with prayer flags - by Jon Kaplan.
Two boys in Tibet (China) with prayer flags – by Jon Kaplan. This photo is available as a gift card through Gifts of Sight.

You know how the holidays are filled with joyous music, spreading cheer far and wide? Well, we have a treat for you today! Our youth outreach team in Nepal created a jingle about the importance of eye care. It may not be a familial holiday tune, but it has the same spirit and energy this time of year brings to all of us.

Listen to the full clip and follow along with the translations below:

Continue reading

A Global Vision, Local Action

Eye screening in Tanzania photo by Joe Raffanti.

Whether we’re in Haiti or the rocky landscapes of Nepal, we envision one thing – a world free of blindness. 

For the past 43 years, you have helped us create and expand access to eye care for those in need by helping to build capacity and infrastructure, training eye care professionals, investing in innovative technologies, and creating comprehensive screening, provision of care, and follow-up programs. This has led to the success of 44 million+ people in 20 countries receiving critical eye care services over this time. 

Think globally, act locally. We recognize and admire that no two countries are alike. Just as each has its own language or dialect, each comes with its own unique eye care needs and challenges. Drawing upon our core global strategy, we work hand-in-hand with local partners to tailor our approach and craft sustainable programs that are effectively embedded into local communities to meet their specific needs. 

Learn more about the work you support in 20 countries and Seva’s approach in each. 

Continue reading

Seva Programs Soar Past their Goals

Photo
Photo: Our partner – Quasem Foundation opened this VC on September 19th 2020. Patients getting screened at Seva-supported Domar Vision Center in Bangladesh.

Even in a year as challenging as 2020, Seva’s programs soared. Between June and December of last year, we supported six new vision centers. Now we’re on track to fund a total of 30 by June 30, 2021 (beating our goal of 13)! Our largest number of these new vision centers are in India; others are located in Nepal, Cambodia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. This year also marks our first vision centers in Latin America!

Continue reading

Meet our Vision Excellence Award Winners!

A girl in Guatemala has her eyes examined. Photo by Joe Raffanti.

The International Association of Blindness (IAPB) created the Vision Excellence Award to commemorate the end of its 21-year global initiative, VISION 2020: A Right to Sight. In recognition of their life-changing, world-transforming work in the field of humanitarian eye care, IAPB has recognized a total of ten Seva team members and partners with the prize.

“On behalf of the whole Seva family, congratulations to these extraordinary sight leaders and practitioners,” says Kate Moynihan, Executive Director of Seva Foundation. “Seva staff and partners consistently set the standard for patient-centered vision care. Today’s award winners share the commitment and quality of work that brings access to sustainable eye care to millions of individuals and their communities worldwide. I can’t wait to see how – together – we will continue to change the world.”

Thank you for supporting Seva and making these incredible accomplishments possible!

Continue reading