WHO WE ARE - Our Mission

Seva Canada Society was founded in 1982 to eliminate preventable blindness and restore sight.

We believe that restoring a person's sight and preventing blindness is one of the most effective ways to alleviate suffering, transform the lives of individuals and families, and alleviate poverty. We believe that everyone has the right to sight.

Our mission is to restore sight and prevent blindness in the developing world.

Seva provides funding and expertise to partners in 9 developing countries: Nepal, Tibet, India, Tanzania, Guatemala, Cambodia, Egypt, Malawi and Madagascar - to deliver community and clinical eye care programs that reach the most vulnerable populations – women and children, the very poor and those living in rural areas.

Seva (pronounced say-va) is a Sanskrit word for service; we believe in compassion in action.

Through our partners, Seva is creating sustainable, economically viable, locally managed eye
care programs that will continue to serve local populations long after Seva’s involvement is complete.

Why sight?

1  IT’S SOLVABLE

Blindness and visual impairment is the 7th largest health disability in the world, but it’s solvable. 80% of blindness can be prevented or treated.

2  IT BREAKS THE CYCLE OF POVERTY

Of the nearly 284 million people in the world who have significant visual impairment, almost 90% live in low-income countries. It's a vicious cycle -- poverty and disease can lead to vision loss and blindness and poor vision keep people trapped in poverty. The World Health Organization has stated that restoring someone’s sight is the single most cost-effective health intervention to reduce poverty.

3  SIGHT MEANS EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

More than 18 million children around the world suffer from blindness or significantly impaired vision. Children who have trouble seeing are often unable to go to or succeed in school, and have fewer chances to achieve a productive and successful life.

4  THERE’S A PROFOUND AND IMMEDIATE IMPACT

A $10 pair of glasses will bring the world into focus, a 10-minute cataract surgery costing $50 will restore sight and hope, a $2.50 treatment of an eye infection will prevent decades of blindness and suffering.

5  WOMEN AND GIRLS HAVE AN EQUAL RIGHT TO SIGHT

Two-thirds of people who are blind are women, mainly because many families in low-income countries are more likely to support eye care for male family members. Seva programs tackle the traditional barriers to access to care for women and girls.

6  THERE’S A RIPPLE EFFECT FOR GENERATIONS, CREATING A BETTER TOMORROW

Regaining sight and preventing loss of sight transforms lives. Children can go to school the next day, and many adults return to work within a week and are once again able to provide for their families. When more people are able to lead healthy, productive lives, entire communities have a chance at a better future.

"There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well."  Walter Reuther

A child after cataract surgery in Blantyre, Malawi. Photo courtesy of Paolo Patruno.