About Sightsavers International
Sight Savers International is dedicated to combating blindness in developing countries.
Sight Savers International believes:
* No one should needlessly lose the sense of sight
* Everyone has a right to access services which maintain, restore or improve sight
* All blind and partially sighted people have a right to access services which enhance their quality of life
ITS PROGRAMMES
* Target the poorest and most vulnerable communities
* Act as a catalyst, offering expertise as well as financial support
* Develop pilot projects which can then be implemented on a larger scale
* Have clear measurable objectives, are time limited and plan for phased withdrawal of Sight Savers support, leaving sustainable services in place
* Work with local people not for them and involve them in the design and delivery of services
* Collaborate with local partners, including governments and non-profit-making organisations, to reach out to the maximum number of people
* Ensure cost-effective use of the money donors invest in our work
Our history
Sight Savers International (SSI) is the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing and curing blindness in developing countries. It was founded as the British Empire Society for the Blind in 1950. Our first director, Sir John Wilson, who was himself blind, played a key role in developing a number of pioneering programmes.
In 1958 its title changed to the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind and in 1987, following a very successful Blue Peter appeal of the same name, we adopted the title Sight Savers, as it more closely represents what the charity does.
It currently operates in over 25 developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. From the outset Sight Savers has worked in partnership with governments and voluntary organisations to maximise the impact of our programmes.
MILESTONES
The Fifties
Surveys in East Africa showed 80% of blindness was preventable or curable. Studies in West Africa revealed the scale of the river blindness (onchocerciasis) problem and investigated ways of controlling it. Eye clinics were set up in Nigeria and surgical services started in East Africa. Rural training schemes for blind people enabled them to play their part in village life.
The Sixties
Work expanded into Asia, with eye camps in Pakistan and India providing mass cataract surgery. Mobile Eye Units started work in Africa, travelling thousands of miles to bring eye care to rural communities. Successful pilot scheme in Nigeria showed that blind children could be educated in standard schools, with support from specialist travelling teachers.
The Seventies
Base eye hospitals established in India to provide year-round care. Fund set up to supply blind pupils with braille and mathematics equipment. Played a key role in establishing the International Agency for the Prevention of blindness to coordinate the global fight against blindness.
The Eighties
Training of local staff seen as key to long-term eye care. Helped to establish training course in Malawi which now serves much of central and southern Africa. African Braille Computer Development began producing textbooks for blind pupils. Development of Community-Based Rehabilitation, providing individual training for blind people in their own homes. Blue Peter's Sight Saver campaign on BBC children's TV broke all previous records, raising over £2 million for our work in Africa. First international relief agency to arrive after the Bhopal disaster. Permanent eye hospital built thanks to generous response of our supporters to the emergency.
The Nineties
Development of Comprehensive Eye Services (CES), linking eye care, education and rehabilitation services in a defined district. SSI- supported Mectizan distribution programmes protected five million people against River Blindness by 1999. Bringing benefits of modern cataract surgery to poor communities through helping to set up training courses in new techniques and supporting Indian manufacture of replacement lenses. Development of partners' operating effectiveness and fundraising capacity, with a view to phasing out SSI support.