Sight Breaks the Cycle of Poverty
Blindness and poor vision can keep people trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. By restoring sight and preventing blindness, people are able to better take care of their health, contribute to their communities, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The World Bank ranked cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective health interventions that can be offered in low and middle income countries.
It Leads to Education and Opportunity
Globally, 19 million children are visually impaired or suffer from blindness. Children who have vision problems are often unable to get an education. Those who have their sight restored are given an average of 50 years of sight, allowing them to learn, play, and build bright futures.
It Empowers Women and Girls
More than half of people living with blindness and visual impairment are women and girls. Seva focuses on community-based approaches that tackle the social and economic barriers preventing women and girls from getting the care they need. As a result, women and girls can receive essential eye care and are able to lead healthy and productive lives.
It Creates a Profound and Immediate Impact
Most eye care treatments change lives right away. A pair of glasses brings the world into focus. A 15-minute cataract surgery restores sight and independence. Medication for eye infections prevents decades of blindness and suffering. High-quality eye care creates an immediate and lasting impact.
It Builds a Better Tomorrow
When you give sight back to one person, you give two people back their lives. 75% of visually impaired people are assisted with everyday living by a relative, neighbor or a child. By preventing blindness and restoring vision, children can go to school and adults can return to work. When more people are able to lead productive lives, entire communities have a chance at a better future.
“Seva has given so much help to so many thousands of people for so many years — such a wonderful example of love in action.”
Bonnie Raitt
Singer / Songwriter
"For nearly 40 years Seva has made an extraordinary contribution to the world — not only through their
international programs, but here in some of the most impoverished communities in North America, on Native American reservations. Thank you Seva."
Jackson Browne
Singer / Songwriter
"Seva takes the impulse towards generosity and turns it into compassionate action that helps people in real need. I honor my friends and relations by giving to Seva in their name — the entire world benefits. I hope you'll join me."
Peter Coyote
Actor / Writer
"Compassion and caring for people in need - that's simply a moral necessity. But it's not
always easy to do. Seva makes it easy. They know how to put your donations to work in ways that truly benefit people."
Joan Baez
Singer / Humanitarian Activist
"When we met the folks at Seva, we knew we were among kindred spirits, joining to bring people together in service to others. Whether preventing blindness in Nepal, assisting native peoples in Guatemala and Mexico, or helping our own Native Americans, Seva has been there to help alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Long may they rock!"
Phil Lesh
The Grateful Dead
"Seva's efforts create hope and happiness worldwide for so many people in difficult conditions. I've always been amazed and cheered by their good works and I've been very happy to help them in their fundraising efforts."
Bruce Hornsby
Singer / Songwriter
“I admire Seva's spirit of innovation. Seva is constantly looking for new ideas that can benefit the world, especially the poor, and they aren't afraid to try something that no one has ever tried before."
Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Prize Winner / Seva Partner / Founding Chairman of Grameen Health Services
“I congratulate Seva Foundation for the magnificent work they continue to do."
Odetta
Legendary Folk Singer
“Seva has done an incredible job all over the world helping people who really need it. I am proud to be one of the many who followed Wavy and his friends down this particular yellow brick road.”
David Crosby
Singer / Songwriter
“Such dedication to others — how could you not love Seva and what they accomplish? Well done!”
Graham Nash
Singer / Songwriter
