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NTC and Sightsavers Italia: A Partnership for Children's Vision

On September 30, 2025, Milan witnessed a significant announcement that could transform the lives of countless children worldwide. In line with the observance of World Sight Day, NTC, an Italian pharmaceutical company renowned for its focus on innovation in ophthalmology, declared the renewal of its collaboration with the international organization Sightsavers Italia. For 75 years, Sightsavers has dedicated itself to preventing avoidable blindness and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in low-income regions.

The renewed partnership aims to address a critical issue: childhood cataracts, one of the leading causes of blindness in children globally. Cataracts can either be congenital or develop early in life, and timely surgical intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage to a child's visual development. NTC recognizes the importance of this issue, with CEO Riccardo Carbucicchio stating, "Removing cataracts in children is an act of social as well as health justice." This partnership exemplifies NTC's dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10, which emphasizes the need to reduce inequalities in society.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from significant vision impairments, more than one billion of which are preventable. Sightsavers has been instrumental in combating this statistic; in 2024 alone, they facilitated over 497,000 cataract surgeries, restoring sight and granting dignity and independence to individuals who would otherwise face lifelong disabilities.

NTC's involvement in this initiative marks a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and global health. The company has actively participated in research projects aimed at improving access to innovative therapies in various therapeutic areas beyond ophthalmology, including pediatrics, gynecology, and gastroenterology. Their engagement underscores a pivotal commitment to aid vulnerable communities, focusing especially on enhancing the right to eye health for children.

As part of this renewed partnership, NTC will be involved in supporting cataract surgeries specifically for children. This targeted initiative will not only enhance the quality of life for affected children but also promote a more equitable society where sight is recognized as a right rather than a privilege. NTC's collaboration with Sightsavers Italia aims to push for a world where every child has the opportunity to see clearly, live independently, and realize their potential without the hindrance of avoidable blindness.

In reiterating the significance of this collaboration, Carbucicchio highlighted the pressing need for social justice in health care. His remarks emphasize that vision health should be accessible to every child, regardless of their socio-economic background. This renewed alliance is, therefore, not just a partnership for health—it's a collaboration for social equity.

In conclusion, the partnership between NTC and Sightsavers Italia is a monumental step towards eradicating childhood blindness and promoting health equity. Through joint efforts and innovation, both organizations are committed to creating a better future for children around the globe, ensuring that sight is a fundamental right for all, not just a privileged few. The journey toward restoring vision and reducing inequalities is long, but with partners like Sightsavers, NTC is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.