The Problem
- Over 314 million children and adults are vision-impaired due to uncorrected refractive error or eye diseases.
- Of these, nearly 45 million people are blind, with most of them living in the developing world.
- They have lost not only their sight, but also their ability to contribute productively to their families – trapping them in a cycle of poverty and poor health.
What HKI Is Doing
- Through our work, Helen Keller International can prevent blindness. In fact, 80% of all blindness is avoidable, with simple, proven solutions such as adequate vitamin A, low-cost surgeries, and annual doses of antibiotics.
- Working together, and supported by our donors, Helen Keller International is preventing blindness worldwide by bringing solutions to millions of vulnerable people. Our programs include Cataract Treatment, Onchocerciasis Control, Trachoma Control, Vision Correction/ChildSight®, Vitamin A Supplementation. We also have begun new programs in Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment, and work to seek treatments and cures for all Neglected Tropical Diseases, including those that are not blinding.
