Located in the northern part of Bangladesh, many in the area experience poverty and lack access to basic necessities. Opened in 2021, the vision centre is a critical link that connects residents with eye health screening, prescription eyeglasses, specialist referral and other health services.  

A bird’s eye view of the town’s skyline reveals one more thing that sets this vision centre apart: it’s covered in solar panels. 

Powering a vision centre through a solar array is a forward-thinking solution in a country that stands at the forefront of climate change. Each year, Bangladesh faces rising sea levels and erratic weather patterns. Frequent floods, cyclones and droughts threaten not only the livelihoods of millions but also people’s health and well-being. 

“In many ways, Bangladesh symbolizes the urgent need for global climate action,” explains Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, President & CEO of Operation Eyesight. “Changes in the environment have an impact on eye conditions and also present new challenges to healthcare systems. We need to take note and adjust the way we deliver care.” 

Together with communities, we are setting a new standard in how healthcare systems can operate sustainably, improve lives and protect the planet.  

The climate-eye health connection 

Our eyes are incredibly delicate and sensitive organs, and emerging research confirms that eye health is susceptible to the environmental impacts of climate change. This is echoed by our healthcare staff and volunteers, working on the ground and in the community, who frequently witness firsthand the effects of climate change on public health. Extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods and dust storms disrupt access to essential eye care services and can cause direct eye injuries. Climate-related issues such as air pollution and drought can also increase the risk of various eye conditions.  
 
Air pollution, for instance, is associated with a rising incidence of conjunctivitis and allergic eye reactions. And worsening wildfire seasons mean that heavy smoke more frequently blows into towns and cities, leading to complaints of burning, gritty and irritated eyes. What’s worse is that experts say the long-term effects of smoke on our vision are unclear. Studies out of China and India show that persistent exposure to high levels of pollutants made up of fine particulate matter, called PM_2.5, is linked to an increased risk for age-related eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. While those studies focused on industrial pollutants, fine particular matter (PM_2.5) is also a component of wildfire smoke.   

In addition, the increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to ozone depletion is linked to a higher risk of cataracts and other vision-threatening conditions. 

The World Health Organization has identified climate-driven diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, as potential contributors to visual impairment. Over the long term, droughts caused by climate change often result in food shortages, which are linked to vision loss. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, where trachoma is a leading cause of blindness, climate change could worsen both the prevalence and severity of this disease. Since trachoma disproportionately affects women and girls, the climate crisis has broader implications – not only for eye health but also for development issues like gender equality. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint for a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future, recognizing that Climate Action (SDG 13) is inextricably linked with other goals, such as those prioritized by Operation Eyesight: education, access to fresh water, gender equality, and good health and well-being.  

“Climate change is both an environmental issue and a human health issue that is being felt across the eye health sector,” Kashinath says. “As the climate crisis intensifies, healthcare systems, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, must adapt to meet new challenges.” 

A green approach to eye health care 

Solar panels are just one example of how eye health services in the community can take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce carbon footprints and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

In Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, our teams at Iten Eye Unit planted seedlings to help celebrate the first-ever National Tree Planting Day in November, 2023. Located in the arid western part of Kenya, where deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion and water shortages have led to widespread desertification, it’s a step in the right direction.  

In India, which is another of our countries of work, similar steps have also been recommended.  

Empowering communities and building resilience 

Bringing access to clean, fresh water to communities in sub-Saharan Africa has been one of our key strategies to improve health and reduce the transmission of blinding trachoma. In addition to educating communities about the importance of washing their hands, faces and clothes to reduce the transmission of disease, ensuring communities have access to sustainable, local water sources brings many other benefits as well.  

For example, in Zambia’s arid Sinazongwe district, families who once faced food shortages due to drought are now able to grow backyard gardens, thanks to our work rehabilitating and drilling water boreholes. 

By bringing access to fresh water and educating communities about the importance of water conservation, sanitation and hygiene, we’re improving health outcomes and empowering communities to reverse the effects of desertification in communities across sub-Saharan Africa. 

“Sustainability goes hand-in-hand with empowering communities,” explains Kris Kelm, our Global Director of International Programs. “By educating communities on hygiene practices and supporting freshwater initiatives, we are enhancing the resilience of not just communities, but entire healthcare systems, in the face of climate change.” 

Leading by example: local solutions to global challenges 

Operation Eyesight is facing global challenges when it comes to climate change, but the solutions are driven by local communities. 

“The climate crisis is having a very real impact on public health, and eye health is no exception,” Kris says. “Today, our work is focused on safeguarding eye health while minimizing the impact of our operations globally, and there is more work to be done.” 

Public health and other development priorities will continue to be shaped by a range of issues, from food security to a shortage of healthcare personnel, to climate change issues.  

“In coming years, the global eye health community’s response to climate change requires a thoughtful and coordinated approach from international organizations, as well as government agencies and policy makers,” explains Kashinath.  

Kashinath says that more opportunities exist that will help address the eye health needs of underserved communities and drive environmental sustainability of operations, including: 

• Sustainable procurement practices for medical supplies, including buying local and opting for re-usable supplies rather than single use supplies; 
• Reducing travel through telemedicine and video conferencing; 
• Public health awareness and education that is focused on environmental sustainability as part of public health education;
• Policy intervention through advocacy with government leaders;
• Healthcare provider education and capacity building;
• Purchasing energy efficient equipment; and
• Safe disposal of bio-medical waste.

“This way, our work is not only improving access to quality eye health services but also contributing to a healthier planet,” adds Kashinath.  

Operation Eyesight’s partnership with communities to integrate environmental sustainability is more than a response to climate change; it’s a vision for the future of eye health.  

Read our five-year Global Strategy to find out how we plan to continue meeting the eye health needs of communities in the face of climate change. Donate today to help us bring sustainable eye health solutions to communities that need it most.  

The post Healthy communities, healthy planet  appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Look at those big, beautiful eyes! This is baby Aarsh, from a small village just outside Moradabad city, in Uttar Pradesh, India. At seven months old, he weighs about seven pounds – what many babies weigh at birth.

Aarsh’s mother, Shabana, was only seven months pregnant when she delivered him prematurely. Little Aarsh had been in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at their nearby hospital for 15 days when his parents learned that he needed to have his eyes screened for Retinopathy of Prematurity, or ROP.

ROP is one of the leading causes of vision loss in children, and preterm infants are at high risk of developing this blinding condition. ROP occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels are fragile and can leak, which can scar the retina and pull it out of position. This causes a retinal detachment and visual impairment.

To save a child’s sight, early detection and treatment of ROP are critical. Unfortunately, many infants go undiagnosed due to the lack of awareness of ROP and the lack of screening services available outside of tertiary-level hospitals. That’s why we are working with partners like C.L. Gupta Eye Institute (CLGEI), located in Moradabad city, to provide remote diagnosis and referral services for at-risk infants and their families. With a case of specialized teleophthalmology equipment and pediatric supplies in hand, optometrists from CLGEI regularly visit 40 NICUs and maternity centres across the Moradabad District, where they capture retinal images of premature infants with assistance from nursing staff who help keep the wriggly babies calm and still.

When Aarsh’s parents first learned their baby could have ROP, they were fearful of the treatment process, and they refused to have Aarsh screened in the NICU. Fortunately, the team at CLGEI are known for their compassion and persistence. After continuous follow-up phone calls and messages from the ROP Coordinator, Aarsh’s parents agreed to bring the little boy, then six weeks old, to CLGEI for screening.

Aarsh’s retinal images revealed that he had ROP in both eyes and required urgent treatment to prevent blindness. First, his eyes would be injected with a drug that inhibits abnormal blood vessel growth, then, at a later appointment, he would receive laser treatment.

Shabana couldn’t help but get emotional she when she heard Aarsh’s little cries from the next room as the doctor did the injections. She knew that timely treatment was necessary to save her son’s sight, but still the tears streamed down her face. Her little one wasn’t even two months old, and he’d already been through so much.

Following the injections, Aarsh’s eyes were covered with bandages, and they were sent home that same day with eye drops and a list of post-procedure instructions. No doubt, the experience was a lot for Aarsh’s parents to take in, worrying about their newborn baby who required special care while also tending to their other children; but they took comfort in knowing that the pediatric staff at CLGEI were available to help them every step of the way.

Later that week, Aarsh received laser treatment. The procedure, which is done with local anesthetic, uses a beam of light to create scar tissue on the outer edges of the baby’s retina, which prevents abnormal blood vessels from forming.

Aarsh’s family went for several follow-up visits. His parents were diligent about making and keeping their appointments, even though it meant that his father, Ajmat, had to close his shop so they could travel to the hospital, which meant a loss of income. They were thankful that Aarsh’s treatment was provided free of charge. They were also grateful to the CLGEI staff who checked in with them and sent them reminders.

Today, Aarsh is doing great, and his vision is good. His mother, who is also happy and in good health, says that Aarsh even watches cartoons on the television like his big brother and sister.

“Little Aarsh’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of our ROP screening program. Through the dedication of our team and the support of generous donors, we’re not just preventing blindness; we’re nurturing futures,” says Lokesh Chauhan, Deputy General Manager at CLGEI.

“Aarsh’s bright eyes now reflect a world of possibilities, and his story motivates us to continue our mission of bringing vision and hope to every child in need.”

Aarsh will require lifelong follow-up visits. Doctors have stressed to his parents the importance of regular eye exams, as infants with ROP are at higher risk for developing other eye problems later in life, such as myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye) and glaucoma. In many cases, these eye problems can be treated or controlled.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the diligence of Aarsh’s parents, and the expertise of the staff at CLGEI, little Aarsh has a big future ahead of him.

Please donate today to help more infants like Aarsh.

The post This little one has a big future ahead appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Or picture yourself shopping at the local marketplace and wondering if you’re being shortchanged by the vendor because you can’t see the numbers on the coins.

That’s what Sharda, who lives in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India, experienced during her 35 years of near-blindness.

Until recently, Sharda had never seen her grandchildren’s faces.

The grandmother started losing her eyesight after being bitten by a snake – an injury that affected both eyes. During a hospital visit, a health worker told her that they couldn’t do anything to help her, even though Sharda was in a position to pay for eye health services. She travelled all the way to Punjab, where her sister lives, to see if she could get help there, but once again, she was turned away without treatment.

One day, Sharda met a community health volunteer who was going from house to house as part of our project with the C. L. Gupta Eye Institute (CLGEI) in nearby Moradabad. The volunteer quickly assessed Sharda’s eyes and concluded that she had cataracts, and gave her a referral to CLGEI, where she got a formal diagnosis and an appointment for surgery.

After getting both cataracts removed, Sharda was amazed at the dramatic recovery of her vision. She could finally see her grandchildren clearly.

Today, Sharda is back to cooking and shopping, and once again feels loved and valued by her family. With a new lease on life, she tells everyone she knows about the CLGEI vision centre and how staff there helped her regain her sight.

This now-tireless eye health ambassador has her sights set on her next project: her husband. Sharda says she’s taking him to the hospital soon to get his cataracts removed as well.

You too can be an eye health ambassador – please share our website with others or make a donation.

The post An eye health ambassador’s long journey to restored sight appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to catch his new film, “UnCharitable,” thanks to a screening organized by the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health. While the documentary, which is based on Pallotta’s book of the same name, had several powerful moments, there was one idea presented in particular that I’ve been reflecting on: Ask organizations about the size of their dreams, not the size of their overhead.

The size of our dreams?

At Operation Eyesight, our vision is the elimination of avoidable vision loss. Our dreams span the globe. Our dreams transcend borders.

Our biggest dream is a world where universal health care, including eye care, is the reality. 

Today, 1.1 billion people live with vision loss. Although 90 per cent of vision loss is treatable or preventable, many people worldwide still don’t have access to eye health care.

Eye health care is a critical part of good health and well-being. For a child, good eyesight means the ability to go to school, learn and build friendships. For a parent, healthy vision means being able to care for their children or work to provide for their family. For a senior, access to eye care services means the ability to live with dignity and watch their grandchildren grow up. For adults and children alike, healthy vision means a chance to pursue their dreams.

We believe everyone has the right to healthy eyes; however, many countries globally do not have national eye health policies and strategies that meet the needs of patients and families. This leaves quality, affordable eye health care out of reach for many people. As a result, millions are living with vision loss and blindness that is completely curable, or that could have been prevented from happening in the first place.

It’s time to create a world where avoidable vision loss is a thing of the past, not the thing holding people back from the futures they’ve dreamed about.

At Operation Eyesight, we are currently working with local partners across 10 countries to prevent blindness and restore sight, and we have plans to expand to five more countries over the next five years. As part of our 2024-2028 Global Strategy, we will:

• Expand our service reach to include more communities and more determinants of health related to eye health, so that we can improve quality of life for more individuals;
• Strengthen the capacity of our partners and staff to ensure organizational excellence, efficiency and accountability;
• Increase awareness of Operation Eyesight, our programs and our impact;
• Disseminate eye health knowledge;
• Influence key state and non-state actors; and
• Ultimately, increase the size of our global community.

To achieve this, we will generate more awareness of, and support for, our mission, making strategic investments in all aspects of our organization along the way, just as Pallotta encourages. We have already started laying the foundation, investing in areas such as infrastructure and technology, recruitment and team capacity-building, and digital marketing.

We will also create new partnerships – with international NGOs, grant funders, corporations, institutions and other supporters – while strengthening our existing partnerships.

We will continue to join hands with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and our eye health peers around the world to advocate for the integration of eye health care into primary health care systems, with the goal that someday, everyone, everywhere will have access to affordable eye health care.

Through our collective action and the support of our global community, we hope to transform national eye health policies and realize our shared vision of the elimination of avoidable blindness – For All The World To See.

So, ask us about the size of our dreams. And ask us how you can help make these dreams a reality.

The post The size of our dreams appeared first on Operation Eyesight.