While ending avoidable blindness is our mission, Orbis’s work is about much more than helping people see. The link between poverty and vision loss is clear - poverty causes poor vision and poor vision leads to poverty. Orbis helps break this vicious cycle. By restoring sight, we empower people with the ability to go to school, get an education, work to earn a living and take care of themselves and their families. Removing the burden of blindness eliminates barriers and creates opportunities for people to live better, healthier, more productive and more prosperous lives. As a result, individuals, families and entire communities, health systems and economies become stronger.
Orbis is also working to close the blindness gender gap and help women and girls reach their full potential. Our gender-focused eye care projects not only help ensure equitable access to high-quality eye care for women and girls, but also create training and employment opportunities, and engage women to play a leading role in eye health in their communities. When we break down gender barriers and create gender equality in eye care, we empower women and girls to be change makers. And when we create opportunities for women and girls to reach their full potential, the result is measurable social, economic and cultural change and a better world.