Gyles Brandreth supports our World in Focus campaign to end avoidable sight loss

“One in eight people around the world live with sight loss – but here’s the shocking truth: 90% of it could have been prevented or treated with something as straightforward as a cataract surgery or a pair of glasses. And yet, for millions of people across the world, in countries like Nigeria and Nepal, affording and accessing basic eye care can be out of reach. Imagine losing your sight just because you can’t afford treatment. It’s simply not right.

That’s why I’m a passionate supporter of CBM UK and their World in Focus campaign. Every day, they’re restoring sight and creating a clearer, brighter future for millions. But there’s still so much more to do. Join me today and help bring the world into focus for the 1.1 billion people living with sight loss.” 

Sight loss has a huge impact on people’s lives. Without access to eye care, children can’t go to school, adults can’t work, and families are trapped in the cycle of poverty and disability. And as the world’s population grows, the number of people living with avoidable sight loss is growing.

Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers and long-time CBM UK supporter, said:

“Being closely involved with the correction of vision and also eye care, I know how important good access is to everyone. My optical company has the purpose of ‘Changing lives through better sight’ and we are there for everyone. That’s exactly what CBM do – they believe that everyone in the world should have access to eye care. This is why I support them in their aim to deal with avoidable sight loss in some of the world’s poorest places – the results are life-changing.”

We work in some of the world’s poorest places, such as rural and hard to reach areas of Nepal and Nigeria, where access to eye care is limited.

• In Nepal, more than 1 in 5 people experience vision loss, one of the highest rates in the world. But most eye care services are based in cities, leaving rural communities without the treatment they desperately need. For over 40 years, we have been working with local partners in Nepal to deliver sight-saving surgeries, so that people don’t have to live needlessly blind.
• In Nigeria, more than 24 million people are living with sight loss, with limited access to eye care. Through our local partners and outreach programmes, we are training eye health workers and running outreach camps – bringing life-changing treatments to families who need it most.

We believe that everyone, no matter where they live, should have access to eye care. Join us today. Read more about our campaign.