Welcome to your autumn issue of Focus, which highlights how you’re helping to improve people’s eye health – central to what Sightsavers is all about.

Blindness doesn’t just affect the person who has lost their sight. It has a ripple effect, which impacts families, communities and national economies too. In the countries where we work, parents or relatives with sight loss can depend on the children of the family to care for them – reducing the children’s chances of an education. And in some areas, blindness or disability can be seen as a curse or punishment – so people with visual impairment may face discrimination from their communities.

With your help, we’re working to change this and, as you read this issue, you’ll see just some of the many ways in which your amazing support is transforming the lives of people such as Nyangan and Akai. Thank you for being there for them – and for us. You are truly making a difference.

My very best wishes,

Ciara Smullen
CEO, Sightsavers Ireland