Creating a new reality
and a world of difference
Imagine a world without sight. Now imagine a world
without sight in the midst of tremendous poverty and
despair. That’s the reality for more than 1.5 million
people in Pakistan who suffer with vision loss. Of those,
more than 165,000 are affected by conditions that can
be treated through corneal transplantation.
Unfortunately, the 6th most populous country in the
world also suffers from a lack of infrastructure and
limited access to medical resources (among other
turmoil) that further prevents patients from receiving
the care they so desperately need.
Eversight International is committed to creating a new
reality for these populations by bringing safe, reliable
eye banking solutions to developing nations around
the globe. "We have an incredible opportunity to bring
humanitarian aid to the region and new hope to the
Pakistani people," says Collin Ross, Executive Director
of Eversight International. “Through our network, we
can provide the resources and knowledge to change the
future of sight restoration for the people of Pakistan.”
For many years, Eversight has provided tissue to surgeons
in the region, but the overwhelming need requires a more
intense focus on long-term solutions.
Collaboration is key
“It is crucial that we form strong, meaningful
partnerships with local governments, medical
professionals and opinion leaders in the region in order
to be successful,” Ross said. “We’ve already made great
strides in gaining the trust of local leaders and now we’re
poised to bring our ideas to life.”
The project has captured the attention of supporters
in the United States too, with one Pakistani-American
businessman pledging $250,000 in support of the
initiative.
“Philanthropic support like this is a direct
result of the community’s faith in our
mission and is essential to the international
program’s long-term sustainability. When
we are true stewards of the gift [eye
donation], people naturally want to support
our efforts and help grow our impact.”
PACKISTAN
To that end, Eversight is working to build a fully
functional eye bank in Pakistan run by local professionals
using our clinical best practices. In addition, we are
committed to increasing the availability of corneal tissue
by building a greater cultural acceptance of eye, organ
and tissue donation through community partnerships
and educational programs.
AFGHANISTAN
INDIA
Collin Ross, Eversight International Executive Director
(center), meets with partners from the region.
Spring 2016 | V I S I O N | Page 10