#USA #Eye Care #Vision Restoration #Cure Blindness Project #Norwich, Vermont

Celebrating Three Decades of Vision Restoration

The Cure Blindness Project is celebrating a significant milestone in 2025 - 30 years dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide. Originating in 1995 as the Himalayan Cataract Project in Nepal, this organization has transformed from humble beginnings into a global powerhouse impacting millions.

Over the past three decades, the Cure Blindness Project has become synonymous with life-changing outcomes. Over 1.6 million sight-restoring surgeries have been performed, with 16.5 million eye screenings conducted to identify potential issues. The project has also secured 200,000 corneas through partnerships for transplant and has prevented 50,000 cases of corneal blindness.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact

Founded by Drs. Geoffrey Tabin and Sanduk Ruit, the Cure Blindness Project has evolved significantly since its inception. Here’s a glimpse into its journey:

• - 1995: The project began with a focus on combatting preventable blindness in Nepal.
• - 1996-2000: The initiative expanded to include training local surgeons in Tibet and Bhutan and establishing eye care centers.
• - 2000-2010: Growth surged, adding programs in India, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
• - 2010-2020: Continued global expansion, adapting strategies to meet regional needs.
• - 2020: Surpassed one million surgeries, a remarkable achievement.
• - 2023: Merged with SightLife International, enhancing resources and expertise.
• - 2024: Rebranded as the Cure Blindness Project to reflect a broader mission and expanded operations to six additional countries.

A Unique and Sustainable Approach

The Cure Blindness Project stands out with its commitment to sustainable solutions, focusing on:

• - Local Capacity Building: Empowering healthcare professionals through training and resources.
• - Infrastructure Development: Providing communities with the necessary equipment to deliver care.
• - Quality Patient Care: Ensuring high-quality eye care services are accessible.
• - Preventative Measures: Actively addressing potential eye health concerns.

This approach not only fosters local leadership but cultivates sustainable practices within communities.

Looking Forward with Optimism

With the ambitious goal of continuing to expand its impact, the Cure Blindness Project is poised for greater achievements. K-T Overbey, CEO of Cure Blindness Project, states, “While we are proud of our past achievements, we are even more excited about the future. We understand there are still significant numbers of individuals needing our help.”

Join the Movement

The Cure Blindness Project invites ophthalmologists to become part of their mission as Global Partners. Those interested can visit www.cureblindness.org/globalpartners to learn more about how they can contribute.

In conclusion, the Cure Blindness Project shows that with dedication and community engagement, we can restore hope and sight to millions. The transformational journey of this organization serves as a testament to the power of health-focused philanthropy and collaboration in creating a better, brighter future for all.