Gyles Brandreth Supports Campaign to End Global Avoidable Sight Loss

Global Campaign Targets Preventable Vision Impairment

In an effort to combat preventable blindness, writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth has voiced his support for CBM UK’s initiative to combat avoidable sight loss. This Christian charity is driving the World in Focus campaign, which aims to address the needs of 1.1 billion individuals globally who are at risk of losing their eyesight unnecessarily.

Statistics show that one in eight people worldwide suffer from sight loss, with a staggering 90% having conditions that could be prevented or treated with interventions like cataract surgery or corrective lenses.

The campaign is focused on delivering eye care services in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, particularly in countries like Nepal and Nigeria. Nepal reports the highest incidence of sight loss, affecting one in five individuals, primarily due to the lack of accessible eye care facilities for rural populations.

Brandreth commented on the issue, stating, “For millions of people across the world, in countries like Nigeria and Nepal, affording and accessing basic eye care can be out of reach. Imagine losing your sight just because you can’t afford treatment. It’s simply not right.” He expressed his strong support for CBM UK and their efforts through the World in Focus campaign.

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, also endorses the campaign, referring to CBM UK’s work as “lifechanging.”

An inspiring testimony comes from Jamala, a 12-year-old from Nigeria, who shared, “Some of my classmates would call me a blind girl. I am very happy now. I can see with both eyes, and my vision is much clearer than before.” Thanks to CBM UK’s assistance, Jamala now dreams of becoming a doctor specializing in eye care.