How we celebrated World Sight Day 2025: Promoting eye health around the globe
This World Sight Day, The Fred Hollows Foundation brought communities together across the globe to celebrate the power of sight. From bustling classrooms to sports fields, rural clinics to major city events, our teams worked to ensure people everywhere understand the importance of healthy eyes and clear vision.
Africa
In Kenya, your support helped us screen more than 1,000 people in Mombasa alone. Teams also visited schools and held inter-county events, while Kenya Country Director Peter Milo and ophthalmologist Dr Dorothy Mutie spoke on KTN TV and Spice FM about the life-changing impact of vision care.
In Rwanda, we partnered with the Ministry of Health and local disability organizations to screen 447 people for cataracts and other eye conditions, ensuring those needing surgery were scheduled for treatment — transforming lives and restoring independence.
Australia
In Tamworth, The Foundation joined the Koori Knockout, one of the largest sporting events on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar. Fans tested their vision with a “pass-the-ball” activity, while doctors provided on-site eye screenings, blending cultural celebration with practical health impact.
East Asia
In China, we launched a nationwide initiative with the National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness and WHO to tackle refractive errors, complemented by school screenings, eye health education, and free clinics in Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, and Xinjiang.
In Hong Kong, a creative collaboration with local partners and support from celebrities helped raise awareness of the importance of vision care and regular eye checks.
In Indonesia, Program Manager Anna Yulia joined government and WHO officials to launch SPECS2030 Indonesia, a commitment to make eye care more accessible and affordable for everyone.
In Lao PDR, nearly 1,000 people received free eye screenings and cataract surgeries, thanks to partnerships with local hospitals and the National Ophthalmology Centre.
In Vietnam, over 3,000 schoolchildren in Xuan Lam and Hoa Tien were screened and given glasses where needed, combining eye health education with practical care to ensure brighter futures.
South Asia
In Bangladesh, World Sight Day was celebrated with activities that combined inclusion and practical impact. School screenings, rallies, and marathons for people with disabilities highlighted the importance of accessible eye care.
Community members and partners gather for a World Sight Day rally organised by the Nizam Hasina Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of eye health.
Photo credit: Baby Naznin
One story that truly illustrates the difference your support makes is that of Mohammed Ali, a 65-year-old rickshaw puller from Jamtola, Chandpur Sadar. For over 40 years, Mohammed pedalled through sun and rain to support his family. But six months ago, his vision deteriorated, affecting his ability to work. His income could barely cover daily essentials, let alone a doctor’s visit.
During World Sight Day, Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital held a special eye camp for drivers and rickshaw pullers. After a simple eye exam, doctors diagnosed Mohammed with a refractive error and provided him with glasses. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, he thanked The Foundation, ANCP, and the hospital for restoring his vision and independence.
Mohammed was one of 150 rickshaw pullers and drivers screened, with 23 diagnosed with cataracts and 45 receiving glasses, demonstrating the tangible impact of your support in Bangladesh.
Mohammed Ali received a pair of glasses at a World Sight Day eye camp, allowing him to get back on the road and back to the life he loves.
Photo credit: Md Alamin
In Pakistan, nine districts celebrated under the National Sight Restoration Program, hosting awareness walks, student competitions, seminars, and inclusive activities with special education institutions — ensuring quality vision care reaches everyone.
Because of the support of our donors, these life-changing activities reached thousands across the globe. Every screening, every pair of glasses, and every scheduled surgery is a reminder of the difference your generosity makes.