Mercy Ships Celebrates World Sight Day

Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness that aims to bring global attention to vision impairment and blindness.

Over 2.2 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with an estimated 1 billion suffering from untreated preventable conditions (WHO). In developing nations, eye conditions treatable in early stages are often neglected, leading to impairment or blindness.

Being blind in developing countries has a devastating impact on quality of life – most people suffering from blindness are outcasts, neglected by their communities and unable to support themselves and their families.

The Mercy Ships Ophthalmic Program treats patients like 9-year-old Monique, who had to leave school when she developed cataracts, leaving her blind. When her Grandmother heard that the Africa Mercy was accepting patients in Cameroon, her heart filled with hope. Thanks to generous partners, Monique received free surgery that restored her vision! She has now returned to school, and has a bright future to look forward to.

Mercy Ships works in the world’s poorest nations to give hope to people who have lost their vision. This #WorldSightDay, we want to say THANK YOU to all our generous partners who help us give the gift of sight to those in need.

Learn more about the Mercy Ships Ophthalmic Program >>