Sharjah Charity restores vision for nearly 15,000 people through global eye surgeries
Sharjah Charity restores vision for nearly 15,000 people through global eye surgeries
As the world observes International White Cane Day on October 15, the Sharjah Charity Association is marking a milestone of compassion and impact — performing 14,974 sight-restoring surgeries since 2007 under its Blindness Prevention Project.
The initiative, launched nearly two decades ago, reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to humanitarian healthcare and its vision of bringing hope to underserved communities worldwide.
A mission to restore sight and dignity
Since its inception, the Blindness Prevention Project has become one of the charity’s most transformative health programs. Through free eye screenings, surgeries, glasses, and medications, it has helped thousands of people suffering from cataracts, glaucoma, lens issues, and chronic eye inflammation regain not only their sight but also their independence and quality of life.
Each surgery represents more than just a medical procedure — it’s a second chance for individuals to live normally, work, and support their families.
Life-changing impact across continents
The project operates in collaboration with volunteer medical teams, including specialist doctors and consultants, who travel to villages and remote regions where access to healthcare is often limited.
Their efforts have reached communities in Asia and Africa, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Niger, Burundi, Congo, Sudan, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Bosnia, Benin, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Kyrgyzstan.
Through these international missions, the team provides comprehensive eye examinations, treatments, and surgeries, often within makeshift clinics set up in rural areas.
Sheikh Saqr: “Restoring sight means restoring freedom”
His Excellency Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of the Sharjah Charity Association, described the Blindness Prevention Project as “a life-changing initiative that restores more than vision — it restores hope, independence, and human dignity.”
He emphasized that the charity’s mission goes beyond offering temporary relief. “Our goal is to turn humanitarian work from simple assistance into lasting impact, giving people the opportunity to live with dignity and independence,” Sheikh Saqr said.
He added that the success of the project reflects the trust and generosity of donors, whose contributions make it possible to extend services to those who need them most.
More than surgery — a movement for awareness
The Blindness Prevention Project also focuses on raising awareness about early detection and prevention of eye diseases. Free field examinations and community health workshops are organized regularly to educate people on eye care, hygiene, and nutrition to prevent blindness-causing conditions.
In several countries, the program has partnered with local hospitals, NGOs, and government health agencies to ensure long-term follow-up care for patients who undergo surgery.
Expanding reach and scaling impact
Over the years, Sharjah Charity has expanded its medical missions, responding to increasing global needs. Each year, the association adds new countries and communities to its outreach list, ensuring that no one is left behind due to lack of access to vision care.
Even amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity adapted its model by training local healthcare workers and providing supplies to ensure continuity of care.
“The Blindness Prevention Project shows that a simple act — like restoring someone’s vision — can change an entire community,” Sheikh Saqr noted. “When one person regains sight, their family and community also benefit. It’s a ripple of light that spreads far beyond one individual.”
A global beacon of hope
For over 17 years, the Blindness Prevention Project has exemplified how compassion, medical expertise, and community support can transform lives. Its 14,974 surgeries stand as a testament to what can be achieved when humanitarian values meet medical innovation.
As International White Cane Day celebrates the independence and empowerment of people with visual impairments, Sharjah Charity’s ongoing work continues to serve as a beacon of light — proving that sight, once lost, can indeed be restored with care, dedication, and love.
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