The Need for GEM

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide there are 37 million people blind and 124 million more with low vision. It is estimated that up to 75% of all blindness is avoidable and that approximately 50% of global blindness is due to cataracts—a condition that can be cured with surgery.

Visual impairment is not distributed uniformly throughout the world. More than 90% of those who are visually impaired live in developing countries. For those who are blind, mortality rates increase, employment can be extremely difficult, and quality of life is significantly reduced. When a person’s sight is restored or improved, it is life-changing—not only for the individual, but also for their family, their village and community.