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!
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.
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!
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:
COVID has made eye care outreach more challenging over the last year, but that didn’t stop Seva Nepal from coming up with creative solutions! This year, the Youth-Led Outreach Program at Seva Nepal (YLOP) wrote and illustrated a picture book to teach kids the importance of eye health. The next generation leading the future!
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.
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!
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!
At Seva, from our work with eye care professionals, hospitals, and partners in over 20+ countries, we’ve witnessed first hand the transformative power of community health. By partnering directly with the communities we serve to co-create innovative eye care solutions, we can reach more people with the sight-restoring treatment they need and, in turn, transform more lives.