In the rugged Himalayas, eyesight is so crucial that after becoming blind, a person will seldom live more than a few years. Thousands of Nepalese live in such devastating darkness, even though 80% of this blindness is preventable or curable.

Since 1979, Seva Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California, has been working with the Government of Nepal and charitable organizations to end needless suffering. Approximately 80% of blindness in Nepal is caused by cataract. Sight can be restored to people with blinding cataracts with a simple operation costing less than US $30. Last year, Seva-supported and Nepali-staffed projects restored sight to over 60,000 people.

Nature of EPF support: JOURNEYS travelers to Nepal volunteer to carry donated supplies to the Lumbini Eye Care Program and other Seva projects.

For more information or to make a direct contribution contact:
Any Sherts
Sight Programs Assistant,
Seva Foundation
1786 Fifth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
TEL: 800-223-SEVA
FAX: 510-845-7410
e-mail: amy@seva.org
URL: http://www.seva.org