This issue of CRST examines how surgeons are working to close gaps in eye care—whether by operating in conflict zones, supporting training efforts, or strengthening systems from a distance. For readers who wish to take action, this article provides a list of outreach organizations focused on surgical eye care. The groups featured herein welcome volunteers, teachers, donations of equipment, or support from home. To access their websites directly, click here.
ACE Global (Advanced Center for Eyecare Global)
A US-based nonprofit organization led by ophthalmologists, ACE Global trains eye care providers in low- and middle-income countries. The group’s Teaching Travel Team program accelerates surgical competency among young surgeons with an aim of building sustainable eye care systems in underserved regions.
Arunodaya Charitable Trust
Based in Delhi NCR, India, Arunodaya Charitable Trust has provided eye care to more than 1.7 million patients since 1990. The organization’s initiatives include free eye screening camps and the Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital, both of which focus on reversing curable blindness among underserved populations.
ASCRS Foundation – Operation Sight
The charitable arm of the ASCRS, Operation Sight provides free cataract surgery to eligible uninsured and underinsured patients in the United States. The program aims to eliminate treatable cataract blindness domestically.
www.ascrs.org/foundation/operation-sight
Central American Eye Clinics
Central American Eye Clinics builds and equips eye care centers in Central America, trains local surgeons, and provides care to both private and underserved patients. Its clinical research helps sustain charitable services and promote long-term, high-quality care.
Eye Corps
Focused on sub-Saharan Africa, Eye Corps collaborates with local medical communities to build sustainable eye care infrastructure. The organization’s efforts emphasize gender equity and the delivery of high-quality cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care.
Hawaiian Eye Foundation
Since 1984, the Hawaiian Eye Foundation has promoted vision preservation and restoration throughout the Pacific region and beyond through charitable services, education, and research.
Himalayan Cataract Project (Cure Blindness)
Founded in 1995, this nonprofit organization aims to eradicate avoidable blindness in underserved areas by training local physicians and providing high-volume, low-cost cataract surgery.
John A. Moran Eye Center – Global Outreach Division
Part of the University of Utah, the Moran Eye Center provides charitable eye care services both locally and internationally. The Global Outreach Division trains professionals in more than 25 countries and offers fellowships to expand access to ophthalmic care.
healthcare.utah.edu/moran/outreach
Kenya Relief
This organization partners with communities in Kenya to provide medical care, including ophthalmic services. Kenya Relief coordinates medical missions, supports local clinics, and works to strengthen health care capacity in underserved areas.
Orbis International
Known for its Flying Eye Hospital, Orbis provides hands-on training to local eye care teams and offers telemedicine support to improve global ophthalmic care.
Seva Foundation
Since 1978, the Seva Foundation has worked to prevent blindness and restore sight in underserved communities worldwide. Through sustainable eye care programs, including hospital support, surgical services, and workforce training, Seva has helped more than 50 million people regain or preserve their vision.
Sight for Life
Sight for Life works to expand access to cataract and refractive surgery in underserved regions worldwide. Through partnerships with local hospitals and international volunteer teams, the organization provides equipment, training, and direct surgical care. Sight for Life focuses on building sustainable capacity and empowering local surgeons to deliver high-quality vision-restoring procedures over the long term.
Surgical Eye Expeditions International
Surgical Eye Expeditions International mobilizes medical volunteers to deliver eye care to and perform surgeries on underserved populations around the world by working in partnership with local clinicians to improve access to high-quality services.
