The project, in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states, screens children to identify sight problems, then provides cataract operations or glasses to any children in need.
Six-year-old Khadija (pictured below) is one of the children who has benefited from the project. She had struggled at school because of cataracts: she was unable to read the blackboard and was often teased by other children. But thanks to the childhood blindness project, she was able to have sight-saving surgery and can now play with her friends again.
“My family will be happy because I can see properly now,” she said. “I will be able to write, which I couldn’t do before. I feel good now I can see my mum!”
Spectrum Markets is a pan-European marketplace where retail investors can invest in structured products via their brokers. Head of Marketing Martina Hoffard said: “The opportunity to give children sight is not only an investment in the future of these children and their families, it is also an investment in the future of our global community. At the beginning of the year we partnered with Sightsavers, inspired by their efforts for several decades. Our partnership will help support full-circle projects that provide greater access and provisions of training and facilities to communities that need them most.”
For more about Spectrum Markets, visit www.spectrum-markets.com.
Sightsavers is at the 100% Optical conference in London on 24-26 February, to raise awareness about avoidable blindness and invite eye health professionals to help protect sight worldwide.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded Sightsavers a grant of US$2.19 million to help fight the disease.
Sightsavers did incredible things during the year, but we couldn’t have done it without your help. Learn about our achievements, all made possible by you.