The folks at Cure Blindness Project (https://cureblindness.org), a global nonprofit organization focused on helping people retain or regain their sight, have recently rebranded, and welcome equally passionate eyecare providers to join them in their mission.
Here, K-T Overbey, CEO of Cure Blindness Project updates Optometric Management readers on these goings on at the 30-year-old organization.
Q: What was the impetus for rebranding from HCP Cureblindness to Cure Blindness Project?
A: We felt the name was a better articulation of what we do now, which goes beyond helping those who have cataracts. Yes, cataracts are still a major cause of blindness, but we have expanded to also help cure blindness from other causes to those in underserved areas.
Q: What are the organization’s approaches to combating global blindness?
A: We focus on both prevention and treatment by building a long-term sustaining solution through equipping and, in some cases, even providing infrastructure. In 2024, as an example, we trained over 3,600 eyecare providers in various countries through everything from residency programs and subspecialty fellowships, to hands-on training sessions. What’s exciting is that now we are getting to the point where a number of residents in sub–Saharan Africa and Asia are leading the programs Cure Blindness Project created.
Q: Can you discuss the Global Partners Program, in terms of its benefits and how, specifically, optometrists can participate?
A: We have three different levels of this program: silver, gold, and platinum, which represent different donation levels. ODs are provided templates for patient emails and press releases, as well as brochures and full-size posters for their reception areas. We’ve gotten feedback that participating builds equity with their patients because they appreciate the idea of making a difference in the world. Of the 43 million people who are blind in this world, 90% of them live in low- and middle-income countries, so we appreciate eyecare providers emphasizing the importance of equity of care. OM
