Here are five highlights to check out:

1. How longtime donor Don McIver has helped strangers see avoidable blindness differently for over 30 years.
2. Why a blind Kenyan grandmother finally decided to have cataract surgery. Was her operation a success? Watch our photo essay to find out!
3. How generous Canadian donors made a huge contribution to a new eye hospital in Ghana (read part 1 and part 2 here).
4. Why being a grandparent helps you SEE the world differently.
5. How a blind Indian child found some hope and dignity.

We have many more heartwarming stories and great photos to share with you in the coming year, so please check back each week. Thank you for your support!

The post 5 stories that touched our hearts in 2012 appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

I note that the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons is coming up in a few weeks, which is a great time to think of the issues that seniors face, but also the contributions they make in all kinds of ways. At Operation Eyesight, we believe that everyone has something to contribute, young or old, rich or poor.

We have some great photos in our collection – people we have met in India and Africa. We hope you’ll enjoy these pictures of some of the older people who live in the places where Operation Eyesight is at work.

And remember – people of all ages like a pleasant surprise. If you want to send a meaningful message to a friend or loved one, consider sending an eCard from Operation Eyesight. Your gift will put a smile on their face, and also help restore sight to older people in India and Africa, like these folks below.

Photos by Peter Carrette

The post Older is o-kay appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

I feel it’s important to speak about Art’s legacy every chance we get, and the anniversary of his passing is such an opportunity. He is, for us, a touchstone of what our work is about.

Art was inspired by the work of Dr. Ben Gullison, a Canadian physician working in India. Ben wanted to provide “the best for the poorest” – an idea that continues to energize Operation Eyesight. It certainly energized Art.

Back in 1963, when Ben asked if anyone would help him raise money to restore sight to India’s blind, Art and his friends in Calgary eagerly stepped forward. Operation Eyesight was created, and over the years many people have come and gone. But it was Art who continued stepping forward, across Canada and then across the globe with a message of healing for the blind.

It was a simple yet powerful message that boiled down to this: “We have the means and responsibility to help these people. We know there is a simple procedure to correct cataract blindness and we have an obligation as human beings to help our fellow man. We need to do this!”

Art was a businessman, not an eye doctor, yet he spoke accurately about the conditions that cause blindness and the means to cure or prevent it. But his gift was his passion – he was deeply moved by the plight of people already struggling with poverty who would then become blind. He was able to share his passion, and he was eager to speak to any person or group willing to hear him.

As a result, millions of dollars have come from generous donors over the years, and millions of people (yes, millions) have received treatment who would not have otherwise. It is a remarkable accomplishment, and so much of the credit goes to Art and his simple message.

Today, millions more need the same kind of help. However, these people are especially hard to reach; either due to geography or due to understanding. In the spirit of Art Jenkyns, Operation Eyesight continues to step forward in our efforts to reach everyone in danger of blindness and low vision. If this inspires you, please act on it without delay.

Art says thanks.

The post Art Jenkyns’ simple message appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Daniel is originally from Cameroon and now lives in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an eye surgeon by profession, but has spent much of his career coordinating eye care programs, and also spent several years in Geneva with the World Health Organization. In his current position, Daniel’s leadership and influence will be absolutely essential to the resolution of avoidable blindness throughout the African continent.

While in Calgary, he spoke to about 80 people at our Annual General Meeting on June 22, as well as to Operation Eyesight staff and a number of donor groups. We were impressed by Daniel’s knowledge, diplomacy and his deep concern for the people of Africa.

Working with him makes us confident that the day will come when the people of Africa are no longer threatened by avoidable blindness. But many issues remain, such as the differences between aid and development.

The post What’s the difference between aid and development? appeared first on Operation Eyesight.