Take a beat & take this quiz!

Photo of Pablito from Guatemala by Rebecca Gaal.

And we’re back…with another Seva Quiz! Ever wonder about the people, places, and solutions that guide our work? Well, look no further! We asked our team, dug our archives, and have a brand new & fun game of trivia to see how well you know the magic that makes Seva possible.

Take it now & you may even learn something new!

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Ain’t no mountain high enough – sight is right around the corner!

Silichong, Nepal

In the high, hilly region of Eastern Nepal, at the rugged foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, lies the Sankhuwasabha district. A predominantly isolated area, home to farmers & herders, primary health care is often difficult to come by – but no hill is too high for our Seva team in Nepal!

A generous donor family, in loving memory of their son and brother, Yusef Abubaker, supported two life-changing surgical eye camps to serve the people in this remote community. Follow along their journey and watch the video:

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Meet Parmila – known as the “selfless mother” – transforming the lives of women in Nepal


Parmila, as the selfless mother, travels to the island of Sri Lanka in Nepal by boat to provide health and eye care services to women in need with our Youth Outreach Team.

Parmila is from Sri Lanka, a small island located in the middle of a mighty river called Koshi and one of the remotest settlements in eastern Nepal. It can only be reached by boat, as pictured above, and is inhabited by people living with financial means. 

When our Youth Outreach Team visited the island, they learned that there were many cataract patients, but only the men had been prioritized to receive care. The women were confined to household chores, and their eyesight was thought to be less important. Sadly, these women believed  that this was their fate – to live in darkness forever. 

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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!

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👁️ ❤️ 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.  

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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!

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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:

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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. 

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Seva Programs Soar Past their Goals

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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!

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