Preventing and treating blindness is not only about restoring sight – it is about restoring independence, opportunity, and dignity.
In the world’s poorest places, barriers such as distance, cost, limited health services, and lack of awareness mean that people can live for years without treatment. For many, this leads not only to blindness, but to isolation, poverty, and exclusion from everyday life.
cbm works alongside trusted local partners to prevent blindness and restore sight through inclusive, sustainable eye health programmes. Through surgery, treatment, and community-based care, people are given the opportunity to see again – and to fully participate in their families and communities.
In many contexts, access to eye care is extremely limited. Most specialists and services are located in urban centres, while the majority of people live in rural or remote communities. As a result, people may never see a doctor, even when treatment is possible.
Blindness and visual impairment can have far-reaching impacts. Children may miss out on education. Adults may be unable to work or care for their families. Stigma and misunderstanding can lead to isolation and increased risk of neglect or abuse.
Preventing and treating blindness is not only about restoring sight – it is about restoring independence, opportunity, and dignity.
We deliver comprehensive eye health programmes that address both the causes and consequences of blindness – from prevention and treatment through to rehabilitation and inclusion.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, yet they can often be treated with a straightforward surgical procedure.
cbm supports:
Through this work, children and adults who have been living in darkness are able to see again – often for the first time in years.
Preventing blindness is just as important as treating it.
cbm works to reduce the impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which affect more than one billion people globally and can lead to severe pain, disability, and permanent vision loss.
This includes:
By addressing these diseases at scale, we help protect entire communities from avoidable blindness.
Access to clean water and good hygiene is essential in preventing many eye diseases and infections.
cbm supports:
These interventions play a critical role in reducing the spread of infections that can lead to blindness.
Sustainable change requires strong local systems.
cbm works with partners to:
By building local capacity, we help ensure that eye care services continue to reach those who need them most.
We work alongside local hospitals, eye care centres, community organisations, and disability organisations. These partners bring expertise, local knowledge, and trusted relationships within their communities.
Together, we:
Through partnership, we are able to reach more people and create lasting impact.
Steven lost his sight to cataracts, leaving him unable to work, support his family, or take part in community life in Papua New Guinea. Isolated and without access to treatment, he believed there was no hope of seeing again.
Everything changed when a cbm partner connected him with cataract surgery. Today, Steven has regained his sight, reconnected with his family, and is rebuilding his future – showing how restoring sight can transform lives far beyond one person.
Together, we can ensure more people have access to the care they need – opening the door to education, livelihoods, and a more independent and hopeful future.
These stories share the journeys of children and adults whose worlds have been transformed through timely eye care – restoring independence, renewing hope, and opening the door to a brighter future.
After years of blurred vision, sight-saving surgery restores Dipendra’s sight, confidence, and hope for the future.
Access to clean water and hygiene education is transforming health, dignity, and opportunity in communities.
Simple cataract surgery restores Rodgers’ sight, independence, and ability to support his family once again.
Our Child Sponsorship programme has given Sophia a brighter future.