A history of CBM

CBM was founded by Ernst Jakob Christoffel (1876-1955), who opened the first CBM home for the blind, hearing impaired and physically disabled in 1908.

In 1925, CBM opened a school for the blind in Tabriz in Iran.

In 1955, Pastor Christoffel died in Ishfan, Iran at the age of 78 years.

During 1963, CBM began ophthalmic work in Afganistan and shortly after, in Iran. By 1966, the first cataract surgery to be supported by CBM was performed in a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The following year, CBM built on its success by starting projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

1972 saw CBM starting projects in Peru and also branching out to include projects caring for people with physical, sensory and mental disabilities.

In 1986, the one millionth cataract operation was performed in a project supported by CBM and by 1989, CBM becomes officially recognised as a professional organisation for the prevention of blindness by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

CBM UK was established in 1996, with National Director Bill McAllister leading a dedicated team of fundraisers working from offices in Cambridge.

In 1999, CBM International, together with other agencies and the WHO, launched the global initiative to eliminate preventable blindness: “Vision 2020”

CBM UK expands and opens an office in Scotland in 2001 and by 2003 the five millionth cataract operation is made possible by CBM.

CBM introduced its new brand identity worldwide in October 2007 - reinforcing their status as one of the largest international charities that not only works with and for people with blindness but also those who are deaf, living with disabilities or suffering from debilitating disease.

2008 was the 100th year since Ernst Christoffel opened his first home to care for those who faced living in poverty with impairment, disability or disease. CBM maked this occasion - more information will be available at www.cbm.org.