We’ve been working in Kerala since 1973, as part of our long-term development strategy to eliminate avoidable blindness in India.” While we’re not a disaster relief organization, Little Flower Hospital came to us, explaining the severity of the situation and asking us for help. We already have the processes and resources in place to provide immediate eye care to those in need, and we’re eager to help.

Hit by monsoon rains and torrential downpours, Kerala received over 222 cm of rainfall (40 per cent more than average) between June and August this year. Roads have been washed out and 80 per cent of the state was without electricity for almost a week. Homes were destroyed, leaving millions of people displaced and without any of their possessions, including their eyeglasses.

With the spread of waterborne bacteria, there is already a reported rise in eye infections – but people are unable to access eye care services for medicine or treatment. To make matters worse, there is a shortage of ophthalmic personnel and people are also unable to access their money to pay for services.

“We’re grateful to our donors who have given generously to our Greatest Needs Fund in the past, trusting us to put their donations to good use where it’s most needed in our work,” says Aly Bandali, our President & CEO. “This gives us the flexibility to be able to respond to situations like this.”

Little Flower Hospital has started conducting medical camps in relief camp sites, however, their resources are extremely limited, and thousands of people in need of medical assistance are being left out. Our team in India already has a plan in place to reach those who are unable to access, or afford, eye care services right now.

“We’ve started mapping out the areas where the need is greatest and will soon be mobilizing community outreach teams,” says Dr. Santosh Moses, our Regional Manager in South Asia. “At the health camps, we’ll screen people for eye problems and provide free eye care treatment for those in need. We’ll provide antibiotics to treat infection, new prescription eyeglasses, surgical treatment and other eye services as needed.”

Our organization has been working with Little Flower Hospital since 1975. As an international development organization, we’ve supported the establishment of the hospital’s eye department, enabling Little Flower Hospital to perform the first corneal transplantations in India. In addition, we’ve worked with eight other local eye hospitals in the past, at one point covering 10 out of the 14 districts in the state.

While we aim to integrate eye care services into the country’s existing infrastructure and ultimately help partner hospitals become self-sustaining, we’re also able to utilize its existing partnerships to react quickly to events such as the Kerala floods.

Your support means so much to so many! To help us to continue our sight-saving work in Africa and South Asia, you can donate $5 by texting “EYESIGHT” to 45678 or by going to our donation page.

The post Worst floods in a century have left people vulnerable, without access to eye care appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Brian Foster and Benny’s Restaurant enjoyed a special relationship. It’s here in this Calgary eatery that Foster imagined a plan that would shift the fortunes of a global organization.

“Benny’s was my network place and a lot of ideas were hatched there,” says Foster, 70. “I solved a lot of problems over breakfast. But better yet, I forged some lasting partners and friendships that stood by me through some pretty tough times.”

An era has ended with Foster’s recent retirement as Executive Director of Operation Eyesight, the Calgary-based international development organization which has long shone a compassionate spotlight on avoidable blindness, considered a major health crisis in Africa and Asia.

“Avoidable blindness means blinding conditions that can be treated, prevented or cured, like a cataract surgery to restore sight,” says Foster. “We take our vision for granted in many cases, because eye care is so readily available in North America. But that’s not so in developing countries — and I knew I had to change that.”

Before his eye healthcare career came into focus, Foster invested his early years as a human resources specialist.

“I eventually became a career transition expert. I was the guy who helped employees leave an organization — either through layoffs or being let go suddenly — in the most considerate and compassionate way.”

Guiding people through seismic career upheavals is hardly a job for the faint of heart. Thanks to the inspiration of others, “I’ve always wanted to help people,” adds Foster, who also credits the curveballs he’s braved in his own life for ultimately steering him towards a better place that would empower him to improve the lives of millions.

Foster’s desire to make the world a better place for people in need traces its origins to a family tragedy that struck when he was a toddler.

“When I was two, a family car accident left my baby sister Joanne, permanently brain-damaged, and my parents severely injured. I escaped injury, after spending a few hours in the vehicle before rescue workers found me. It profoundly changed me and I grew up wanting to educate people on seatbelt safety.”

While too young to realize it at the time, this life-altering event put him firmly on the path towards altruism.

Decades later, when one of his clients for career-transition services turned out to be none other than Operation Eyesight, Foster reached a fork in his road — but it would be even more years until he realized the significance of that meeting.

“When I met with Operation Eyesight’s then Executive Director Donald O’Dwyer, I was stunned to learn about all the remarkable things this small organization was doing. I knew instantly I had to be part of it,” Foster recalls. “I asked Donald if I could be on the board of directors — and he agreed — introducing me to the founder, Art Jenkyns.”

Now, anyone who’s met Foster would further agree he’s an inspiring man — with a gift of charisma and persuasion that’s served him well in his work with thousands of people over his career, as he coached, motivated and encouraged them through their dark days.

But now it was Foster’s turn to be inspired — and Jenkyns took his breath away — awakening a drive deep inside of him that runs strong to this day.

“Art had this energy and warmth about him that permeated any room he walked into. When he shook my hand, a lasting shock wave of energy went through me,” says Foster, his voice heavy with emotion. “He inspired something in me I didn’t know I had.”

Their meeting set into motion a string of events that would drive waves of change for an organization on the brink and in desperate need of reinvention.

Foster served as a director on the board from 1996 to 2000 — then as its chair until 2004. “During this time, our work was centred in India, and I had the good fortune to visit the country with some of our donors.”

“Here I was, with my man purse of first world ‘necessities’, in the middle of one of the poorest slums in India,” he says. “They had nothing, not even the smallest of luxuries, but the number of smiling faces greeting me was overwhelming. I was shell-shocked at how many people lived without the comforts I take for granted — and were happy with that. It was an eye-opener.”

India gave Foster a firm grasp of the meaning of real poverty. It also taught him survival skills and the importance of health and education. “There were so many defining moments on that trip, that it thrust me into high gear — Operation Eyesight had changes to make.”

In 2008, Foster stepped into the role of Vice President of Human Resources for the organization. During one of his many breakfast meetings at Benny’s, he realized his mission was to evolve the culture and structure of Operation Eyesight.

“The internal operations were failing. Financial difficulties were becoming apparent,” says Foster, who concluded it was time to overhaul the body, a process he began by hiring experts to review their fundraising capabilities.

“We were operating as an aid organization where we were simply an ATM machine. Where there was a need, we’d finance it, without considering our dwindling finances. It was not a happy time.”

In one dire moment, Foster even drafted a liquidation plan.

“Without proper governance or an effective fundraising strategy in place, we were doomed. I thought about looking for another job, as I suspect others were also doing because we just weren’t sustainable.”

But blessed with a stick-to-it attitude, Foster hung in there — only to find himself the new Executive Director of Operation Eyesight in 2012.

“I decided I was going to turn the organization around and make us thrive. I didn’t want to erase us, and I certainly couldn’t tell those people in extreme poverty that we couldn’t help them anymore,” says Foster. “I had commitments to those people, and our partners, and I was going to keep them.”

Drawing on skills that dated back to his roots, Foster put on his sales hat as he enacted some tough changes. “I put bylaws, processes and procedures in place to create a strong ‘decision tree’. We had to move from reactionary funding to being proactive, and that meant putting some sustainable practices in place. We built the house, now we had to live in it.”

But living in their new reality didn’t come easy.

Foster evolved the structure of the board of directors to governance from operational, hired their first ever major gifts officer, a dedicated communications expert and a fundraising consultant.

“I created the organization’s first strategic plan — and started the evolution of an aid organization into an international development organization,” he adds.

Refocusing the mission on international development meant proactively funding education, prevention and treatment programs — and adopting fresh, strategic-funding practices. “I became a fundraiser, and to create some breathing room, I sold the building, that today, the organization leases.”

In Foster’s mind, the biggest change was “the slow and sometimes painful organizational culture shift to one of collaboration between Calgary and our overseas teams in the countries where we were working.

Building trust between the board and their operational teams mightily tested his resolve.

“As the board chair, some of the board members disagreed with what I was doing. But I saw an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. Over many breakfast meetings, I began to see the light go on as the board started to understand that these changes were necessary — that without them Operation Eyesight wasn’t going to last.

“I made difficult decisions — but they were the right ones. And we did it!”

With Operation Eyesight now firmly on the road to recovery, the relationship-building continued. “I remember being struck by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’ sincerity when they said: ‘I’m glad you’re back’. That one phrase spoke volumes to me and validated my efforts.”

To Foster’s delight, Operation Eyesight’s success continues to snowball as new partnerships emerge throughout Africa and South Asia. While the global team couldn’t all gather to enjoy breakfast at Benny’s — they were together in spirit and goal.

Foster ushered in the new era, and when asked what kept him going through the bleak times, his answer takes only seven words: “It wasn’t in me to give up.”

Foster credits all the great people he had in his corner. “I couldn’t have done this myself without the collaboration, concern, and ‘bleeding’ of many wonderful staff, partners and board of directors. People need to know that if you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go further you go together. We went together, thank you.”

Brian specifically wanted to thank the following people for making the work accomplished during his time as Executive Director possible:

• Art & Una Jenkyns and their family;
• All of our donors, without whom we would not exist;
• All our incredible partners;
• All of the present and former Operation Eyesight Board Members in Canada, India, Kenya, Zambia, United Kingdom & Australia;
• All of our present and former staff;
• All of our volunteers;
• The Gullison family;
• LVPEI, Dr. Nag Rao, Dr. TP Das, Dr. GC, Dr. Swathi Kaliki & Sam Balasundaram, IAPB Peter Ackland (former CEO)
• World Health Organization
• Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, Dr. Bo Wiafe, Linda Dent, Dr. Paul Dubord, Tony Myers, Kate McBrearty, Madame Johnson Sirleaf (former President of Liberia), Stephen Lewis (Stephen Lewis Foundation);
• His family.

Although now a grandfather of five, he’s always up for a fresh challenge.

“I’m not retiring, I’m just transitioning myself,” he says with a smile.

“I’ve taken on the role of board chair for Gems for Gems, a Calgary non-profit whose mission is to end the cycle of the global epidemic of domestic abuse.”

Allowing himself a brief flashback, Foster wonders aloud how his life might have unfolded, had he and his sister been wearing their seatbelts on that fateful day.

“My sister is still alive, having lived in assisted care all her life. When I see her, I wonder how different it might have been if we’d all escaped injury, or if the accident hadn’t happened…. Would I have taken a different path in life?”

It’s a question with no sure or easy answer. But one fact is indisputable — the world looks better today for millions of people because Foster stepped up to the plate with resolve and determination to make Operation Eyesight thrive.

The post How one man turned his despair into a dream and vision for millions appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Operation Eyesight held their Annual General Meeting and Donor Celebration on Monday June 25th, and I had the pleasure of attending.

While not an official member of the organization myself, my fiancé works as a digital communications expert for the charity so they have become quite dear to me.

Despite my familiarity with Operation Eyesight, I learned a great deal at this year’s Annual General Meeting and Donor Celebration, particularly in regards to the truly massive impact they have had in the name of their cause to eliminate avoidable blindness.

The event, sponsored by a number of organizations, including Western Union and Active Accounting Inc. began with and address by Operation Eyesight’s Chair, Ray Mowling. 

“It was a great year in 2017,” Mowling said, explaining that over six million people were reached and 218,000 eye surgeries were performed last year.

“Every year we expand our horizons and 2017 was no different,” Mowling said.

Speaking to an audience of all ages and backgrounds, Mowling says the organization has explored new countries to potentially work in, and were invited by five governments to operate in their respective countries.

“Thanks to all of you, Operation Eyesight had a successful 2017, and I can tell you well into 2018 is looking pretty good as well,” Mowling said with a smile.

Later in the program, the audience was treated to a video message from Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who couldn’t make it to the event.

Nenshi said he was very proud of Operation Eyesight for taking Calgary’s values and sharing them with the world.

“Congratulations Operation Eyesight. Congratulations to the board, the staff, the volunteers and particularly the donors,” he said.

Soon after, the formal part of the evening ended and guests were invited to mingle, and meet the staff and board of Operation Eyesight.   

Display booths around the room showcased information about each country Operation Eyesight works in. Each was attended by a staff member or volunteer to provide details about all the great work going on, and to answer any questions people had.

The mingling and socializing continued until a group of four people come in, two men and one woman with drums and two other women wearing West African-style dresses. They’re a group called Fote and Friends from Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and they performed a high energy dance for their audience before they began round two by inviting people from the audience to join in. Some brave audience members joined the dancers on stage and had some fun participating. 

Afterwords, Anne Wahome, an Operation Eyesight volunteer from Kenya who lives in Calgary, presented some photos and explained some of the work Operation Eyesight has done in her home nation.

She said she recently came back from a trip home, and explained that Operation Eyesight has volunteers who go door-to-door checking on community eye health. If these volunteers find a patient suffering from an eye health issue, they recommend the family go to a partner medical facility to get the help they need.

“Back home, we believe that as you get older, blindness is a way of life,” Wahome said, “So this method of door-to-door eye examination is very important.”

It not only lets people know that they have a problem, but it’s also a means to let them know that their condition can be much better, and is treatable at no cost, with the help of Operation Eyesight.

At the Huruma Sub-County Hospital, doctors treat people on a rotation throughout the week. They spend some days treating people and other days going out into the villages to educate people further about eye-health.

After Wahome’s presentation, the Operation Eyesight Global Director of Programs, Kashinath Bhoosnurmath gave a presentation on avoidable blindness and how Operation Eyesight is making an impact.

In his presentation he explained that 80 percent of blindness in the world is avoidable, but we’re only reaching 20 percent of the people afflicted.

Through Operation Eyesight’s sustainable model, they not only help increase access to eye health, but they also empower communities to take ownership of their own eye health. Through Operation Eyesight’s work, 640 villages across Africa and South Asia have been declared free of avoidable blindness to date. Their goal is to declare 1000 villages avoidable blindness-free by the end of 2018.

There was another break in the programming, giving the audience some more time to taste the African and Indian themed menu. Delicious curry and flatbread, as well as coffee, tea and a variety of desserts were offered. Guests mingled and actively engaged with the Operation Eyesight team, looking for more information. A lot of people were interested in donating and wanted to know how they could help.

Another group of performers entertained the audience, this time, three women from Madhuban Performing Arts. They performed a fast-paced and fluid semi-traditional Indian dance.

 After the performance, Operation Eyesight’s Vice-Chair, John Masters, took the podium for a bitter-sweet moment; a send-off for the retiring Executive Director, Brian Foster.

“Brian restructured Operation Eyesight, making us a sustainable organization that will be here for decades to come,” Masters said.

With a smile, he ended his remarks by saying, “We’ll miss Brian, but like the old saying goes about the Hotel California, ‘you can check out, but you can never leave,’ and we know Brian will never leave us.” 

Shortly after, the new Executive Director, Aly Bandali, took the stage.

“I want to thank Brian, who has been a mentor to me for about a decade,” Bandali said. He expressed that he will never be able to repay the gift of Foster’s confidence in him, and said that when Brian had announced his retirement, he suggested that Bandali go for the opening position.

“The shoes you left behind, I will never be able to fill, but it will be fun to try,” Bandali said.

He closed his remarks by saying it will be an honour to work alongside the rest of the Operation Eyesight board and team; but not before making a promise to the room.

“We will eliminate avoidable blindness in this world.”

The post Thank you for another incredible year appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Of course, none of Operation Eyesight’s work could happen without your generosity. And as a result, amazing things are happening. Big things – like vision centres and blindness prevention programs and even entire health care systems.

And the big things are even more astounding when we look at them as their individual parts. Remember Ruth? Ruth started having vision problems when she was just five years old. Her teacher and her parents feared for her future. She couldn’t see the board at school, no matter where she sat in the classroom.

For children living in Africa and Asia (especially girls), getting an education is the one sure path to building a brighter future. Without it, the future can look very dim.

Ruth, and many others like her, live in poor and remote communities. Because of this, they don’t have access to quality eye health care, or eye health care education. And even if they do, more often than not, they can’t afford the treatment they need.

But thanks to your support, Ruth, and others like her, have been given such a loving gift – the Gift of Sight! Ruth received cataract surgery free of charge to her and her family.

Your support has helped thousands of people in Africa and Asia to this day. And we at Operation Eyesight can’t thank you enough for opening your heart to those who aren’t as fortunate as we are, with access to quality health care. If you’re a Canadian, then your costs are even covered by the government.

What’s more is that we know there are all kinds of good causes out there, all vying for your attention.

It can be a real challenge to raise awareness about the plight of the blind of Asia and Africa… but that’s why we appreciate you so much. By supporting Operation Eyesight, you have extended your hearts and minds to people on the other side of the planet – people you’ve never met, but you care about them all the same. And that’s incredible!

We at Operation Eyesight have met many of the people you’ve helped, and they all say the same thing: “You have given me back my sight and now I can live again. Thank you, thank you!”

We may be the ones who hear these words, but our patients understand that their eyesight was restored because someone far away sent a generous gift. When they say thank you, they say it with heartfelt emotion, and they’re saying it to you.

And we at the Calgary office also want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you! For all that you do – For All The World To See.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post A warm “thank you!” from people around the world. appeared first on Operation Eyesight.