OPERATION EYESIGHT UNIVERSAL

Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2A1 Canada

Mission Statement

We are an international development organization working to eliminate avoidable vision loss and bring quality eye health care to communities where it’s needed most. Founded in Calgary, Canada in 1963, over the past six decades we have grown to become a global community that spans four continents and includes health workers and volunteers, physicians and ophthalmic personnel, donors, partners, staff and board members. Whether it’s a simple pair of eyeglasses or a more complex eye surgery, we believe everyone has the right to affordable, quality eye health care services. Together, our mission is to prevent blindness and restore sight – For All The World To See.

About This Cause

Our team’s presence on the ground allows us to act quickly and leverage the unique strengths of our communities of work. Here’s how we do it: Hospital Strengthening. We work with local hospitals to deliver quality eye health care services that meet community needs. The hospitals receive referrals and provide advanced treatment including eye surgery. We invest in equipment and infrastructure – from procuring slit lamps, to renovating operation theatres and everything in between. We also provide training for hospital staff – from administrative clerks and health workers, to ophthalmic nurses and cataract surgeons. Community Eye Health. We train local community health workers who conduct door-to-door eye health screenings, refer patients for treatment and provide general health education. They’re able to reach families in remote and underserved areas. By establishing vision centres in communities, we ensure patients have local access to comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses and referrals to hospital if needed. Integrated Eye Health. Eye health is linked with a range of other development areas. We’re working to strengthen areas of overlap between primary eye care and primary health care in our countries of operation. In doing so, we’re able to address the root causes of avoidable blindness. For example, our community health workers link families with primary health centres for immunizations, pre- and post-natal care, and other critical services. We also bring fresh water and hygiene education to communities, to help prevent the spread of trachoma, a blinding eye disease. Disease Control. We work with our partners to address the major causes of vision loss: cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, trachoma, uncorrected refractive error and other conditions. From eye screenings and prevention education, to treatment and follow-up care, our partners provide comprehensive eye health services. Research and Advocacy. We are focused on harnessing the power of data to support the effectiveness of our model and contribute to a growing body of peer-reviewed research in the global eye health sector. This makes us a key collaborator in informing national eye health policies and strengthening local health systems.

OPERATION EYESIGHT UNIVERSAL
609-14 St Nw 205
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A1
Canada
Phone 1-800-585-8265
Twitter @OpEyesight
Unique Identifier 119068955RR0001