Dear Seva Canada Supporters,

When Vision 2020 was launched in 1999 by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), its goal was 'a world in which nobody is needlessly visually impaired, where those with unavoidable vision loss can achieve their full potential'. This global initiative both intensified and accelerated prevention of blindness activities worldwide and resulted in enormous gains in treatment, training and research. We haven't yet eliminated preventable and treatable blindness, but we've made enormous progress.

With the publication of the first World Health Organization World Report on Vision in late 2019, eye care organizations acknowledged that there are significant challenges to meeting current and projected eye care needs worldwide.

Smiling Nepali Woman by Marty Spencer

Nepali woman, photo by (c)Marty Spencer

What will Seva Canada do to narrow the gap?

We will continue to ensure that the people and communities we serve are equal partners in planning, developing and monitoring their eye care programs.

We will continue to advocate for a focus on strong and affordable primary eye care, based in the community.

We will continue to produce and support health systems research to create successful and cost-effective eye care interventions.

And, we will work with governments and national health systems to include eye care in healthcare strategic plans.

None of this is new for Seva Canada. A 'people centered approach' that empowers communities as decision makers is how we have worked since 1982 and how we will continue to work. As our founders still say "it's all done with people".

Thank you for your continued support,

Penny Lyons signature

 
 
 
 
 
Penny Lyons,
Executive Director

 

 

Sight Stories and News

  • Art for Sight

    What do you get when you bring together two committed Seva Canada supporters, one incredible artist, a beautiful beachside home and an inspired community? An art show fundraiser for Seva Canada that raised enough to restore the sight of 40 people!

    Blog | March 14th, 2024
  • Evidence Informed Practice Program

    In an effort to improve monitoring, evaluation and operational research capacity at program partner eye hospitals, Seva has launched the Evidence Informed Practice (EIP) program.

    Blog | March 14th, 2024