Seeing is Believing

Around 39 million people in the world today are blind, most of them trapped hopelessly in poverty. Yet, in eight out of ten cases, blindness can be prevented or treated with proven, cost effective interventions.

An operation for cataracts – the leading cause of blindness in developing countries – can cost as little as USD30. And the impact is significant, regaining sight enables people to go back work or education and better care for their families.

How we're helping

Through Seeing is Believing, we’ve partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and leading international eye-care NGOs to improve access to eye-care across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Since 2003, we have helped more than 28 million people.

What we aim to do

By 2020, we aim to fundraise USD100 million for Seeing is Believing.

The funding will help our NGO partners deliver 35 comprehensive eye-care projects globally, providing access to cataract operations and prevention treatment in deprived communities. This will include five large scale children’s eye-care projects.

With help from our staff

Our employees have largely driven the success and support of the programme so far. Not only do many of our employees volunteer at local eye-care projects, but 70% of fundraising is led by our staff. The Bank matches every dollar raised.

Learn how we helped improve access to eye-care in 2011