Broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth is lending his passionate support to Cambridge based, Global Disability Inclusion charity, CBM UK’s World in Focus campaign, highlighting the urgent need to tackle avoidable sight loss affecting 1.1 billion people worldwide.
"One in eight people around the world live with sight loss - but here’s the shocking truth: 90% of it could have been prevented or treated with something as straightforward as a cataract surgery or a pair of glasses. And yet, for millions of people across the world, in countries like Nigeria and Nepal, affording and accessing basic eye care can be out of reach. Imagine losing your sight just because you can’t afford treatment. It’s simply not right.
That’s why I’m a passionate supporter of CBM UK and their World in Focus campaign. Every day, they’re restoring sight and creating a clearer, brighter future for millions. But there’s still so much more to do. Join me today and help bring the world into focus for the 1.1 billion people living with sight loss."
CBM UK’s World in Focus campaign, launching on 12th March, is an ambitious new campaign to provide eye care to thousands of people living with sight loss in some of the world’s poorest places – including rural and hard to reach areas of Nigeria and Nepal.
Without access to eye care, children miss out on education, adults struggle to work, and families become trapped in a cycle of poverty and disability. As the global population grows, avoidable sight loss is increasing.
Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers and long-time CBM UK supporter, said:
“Being closely involved with the correction of vision and also eyecare, I know how important good access is to everyone. My optical company has the purpose of “Changing lives through better sight” and we are there for everyone. That’s exactly what CBM do - they believe that everyone in the world should have access to eyecare. This is why I support them in their aim to deal with avoidable sight loss in some of the world’s poorest places - the results are life changing.”
CBM UK works in some of the world’s poorest places, such as rural and hard to reach areas of Nepal and Nigeria, where access to eye care remains limited:
- Nepal has one of the highest rates of vision loss in the world, with more than 1 in 5 people affected. Yet, most eye care services are based in cities, leaving rural communities without essential treatment.
- Nigeria is home to 24 million people living with sight loss, yet eye care services remain out of reach for many people.
Through local partnerships and outreach programmes, CBM UK is delivering life-changing treatments to people living with sight loss in some of the world’s poorest places. Find out more about CBM UK's World in Focus campaign: CBM UK World in Focus
