Since 1974, SEE has worked diligently around the world to reduce the number of people impacted by refractive error issues. Our network of volunteer surgeons provide free treatment to thousands of patients every year, as well as skill-sharing and training on appropriate surgical techniques to help strengthen local health care infrastructure worldwide.
What are refractive errors?
Normally, images will be focused clearly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, if the lens in the eye is too thin or the eye is too short the focal point for the eye is too long, and this misalignment often causes vision problems.
According to the World Health Organization, unaddressed refractive error is the second leading cause of untreated vision impairment, affecting 123 million people globally.
Uncorrected refractive errors are the main cause of vision impairment
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 153 million people live with visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors.
That’s why diagnosing and treating refractive error right here in the U.S. is another one of our organization’s main focuses. Since the 1980s, our Santa Barbara Vision Care Program has provided free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to individuals who would otherwise not be able to access care. SEE also partners with organizations and doctors to provide free comprehensive eye exams to those in need, helping to reduce the number of uncorrected refractive error cases across the U.S.
SEE International & Refractive Errors
Since the 1980s, our Santa Barbara Vision Care Program has provided free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to diagnose and treat to individuals who would otherwise not be able to access care.
SEE also partners with organizations and doctors to provide free comprehensive eye exams to those in need, helping to reduce the number of uncorrected refractive error cases across the U.S.