In developing countries, 4 out of 5 people who are blind don’t need to be. Eye diseases like cataracts, trachoma, and diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness when they're either treatable or preventable.
The reason people live with blindness is that they can’t access quality eye health care. In many cases, a straightforward 20-minute operation can restore sight or a dose of antibiotics can prevent blindness.
So many millions of people are blind simply because they live in poverty. The incredible injustice of this is the driving force behind our work.
A majority of the world's blind live in developing countries. Malnutrition, inadequate health and education services, poor water quality, and a lack of sanitation can all contribute to eye disease. When people can’t get help or don’t realize help is available, they stay entrenched in a cycle of extreme poverty – and become increasingly vulnerable to avoidable blindness
Best wishes to you newlyweds!