Spirit of Service.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Seva,

Suzanne Gilbert, our esteemed Senior Director at Seva Foundation, has made the heartfelt decision to retire from her staff position, effective June 2024.

She made this decision in June of 2023, and we have spent the past year preparing for this significant transition. Suzanne’s unwavering commitment to our mission since Seva’s founding in 1978 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her innovative spirit has been a driving force behind Seva as a volunteer, Executive Director, Program Director, Research Director, and Seva ambassador globally.

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What Kind of Return Does a Dollar Get?

Only social equity, stronger economies, and rediscovered dignity.

Eyesight influences most aspects of daily life, from the playground to the jobsite, infancy to old age. It’s alarming, then, that one-quarter of the global population - 2.2 billion people - are living with vision impairment, and only half of those get the care they need. More women are affected than men, and the numbers increase sharply with age. Without significant investment in preventative actions, these numbers are projected to increase to 1.8 billion by 2050, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

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The Fabric of Life, Woven in Baskets and Birthdays

Cows, chickens, dogs, kids both human and four-legged play and hang out in the fields of Kansaeng, a corner of Siem Reap, Cambodia that leans on agriculture—and women—for its livelihood.

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Dr. Suzanne Gilbert: A Career in Service, Spirit, and Science.

This summer will begin a new chapter for Dr. Suzanne Gilbert as she retires from the Seva Foundation.

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Seva partners use data to strengthen eye care

Since its founding, one of Seva’s guiding principles has been sensitivity to the culture and norms of the communities we serve. Research staff, consultants, and volunteers work directly with Seva partner eye hospitals to understand, at a root level, the systems unique to that facility.

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Seva Takes Home the Anthem Award

Matt Damon and Misty Copland, would you mind scooting over? Yes, you may take your award with you. Oh this? Well, we have an award too. Let’s do lunch.

Fine, so we didn’t actually meet our fellow Anthem Award winners. Nonetheless, we’re proud to be among the ranks of people and worldwide organizations whose mission-driven work is acknowledged. In January, Seva was recognized in the categories of Health, Product and Service for the Pristine 5.0 camera (formerly Vistaro).

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New Opportunities Make Dreams Possible

Scientist. Teacher. Station master. For some students in West Bengal, India, these careers were pipe dreams. Now, at the Seva-supported VMANNN (Vivekananda Mission Asram Netra Niramay Niketan) hospital, training exists to make these aspirations possible.

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Dr. G. Natchiar is bestowed India’s distinguished Padma Shri Award

This winter, Dr. Natchiar, a founder of Aravind Eye Hospital and a member of Seva’s partnerships in India, was bestowed the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024 for distinguished contribution and service in the field of medicine. 

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Donor Shout-Outs - Spring 2024

This Warrior is No Poser
Caroline Queener makes the mission real

No matter how bendy, balanced, or breath-centered one might be, yoga is a challenge. So imagine flowing into a strong reverse warrior-only doing it blindfolded. 

Linda Rice Listens and Gives Back
Creating a legacy of eye care

More than 40 years ago, Linda Rice tuned in to the beauty of South Dakota’s wheat fields during her summer breaks from teaching and began crafting ornaments inspired by her strong Scandinavian community. 

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"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!"

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The Grateful Dead

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“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."

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Nobel Prize Winner / Seva Partner / Founding Chairman of Grameen Health Services

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Legendary Folk Singer

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David Crosby
Singer / Songwriter

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“Such dedication to others — how could you not love Seva and what they accomplish? Well done!”

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Singer / Songwriter

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