I write this letter having just returned from a trip to India, where I saw first-hand the impact our partners, staff and volunteers have in the lives of patients and families, every day.

Speaking with our health workers in the community and patients who have undergone sight-restoring cataract surgery has been a rather emotional experience for me. Sharing in their joy at seeing again and being able to live independently has been the highlight of my travels. Wherever I have travelled and in various languages and dialects, the message to me has been the same: Thanks!

A big part of our success in 2021 was the strength and collaboration between our international teams across continents and time zones. Despite the distance, our teams have never been clearer in our mission and how to achieve it. Our people’s presence on the ground and in communities meant that we especially felt the aftershocks of the pandemic.

In these challenges, we found new opportunities to strengthen local health systems and impact lives. Our people’s ability to adapt and be nimble has only made us better at what we do best.

In 2021, we saw traffic to our website grow by nearly 70 per cent, accompanied by a 35 per cent increase in online giving. In 2022, we look forward to engaging with you across our digital channels, especially on social media.

As we enter our 60th year and work gets underway to expand our programs into more countries, we have much to celebrate. Together, we are poised to have a greater impact than ever before. When I see the work our teams do every day, the strength of our partner communities, and the passion of our partners and donors, I know our work is in capable hands.

Yours truly,

Kashinath “Kash” Bhoosnurmath

President & CEO

Thanks to the compassion of our global community, 2021 was a year of success for Operation Eyesight. Despite another challenging pandemic year, we met our revenue goals while also taking steps to reduce costs and bring eye care services closer to communities.

Although COVID-19 restrictions at times limited our regular program activities globally, we found ways to work virtually and, as a result, our administrative costs remained present.

We received $5.16 million in donations from individuals, service clubs, institutional partners and foundations, as well as through legacy gifts.

Of note, we saw a significant increase in investment and stock donations. We are also incredibly grateful for the bequests we received in 2021, totalling nearly $370,000.

We remain committed to ensuring that every gift has the most impact in our communities of work, so every dollar donated directly translates into lives changed.

We know that 2021 was a challenging year for many, and we are incredibly grateful for supporters like you who continued to help transform lives through the gift of sight. Thank you!

For detailed financial information, please visit our financial accountability page.