Diabetic Retinopathy Charity — Prevent Blindness Before It Is Too Late
Pakistan has the world's third-highest number of people with diabetes. Indonesia ranks fifth. Diabetic retinopathy is stealing sight from working-age adults who cannot afford ophthalmic care — but treatment exists.
World Aid Network funds diabetic retinopathy treatment — screening, anti-VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation and vitreoretinal surgery — for patients who cannot afford ophthalmic care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Treatment is delivered by licensed local vitreoretinal specialists through the Gift of Sight Appeal.
Unlike cataracts, diabetic eye disease requires ongoing intervention — screening, injections, laser and sometimes surgery. Without funded care, patients progress from blurred vision to irreversible blindness while still of working age.
The Gift of Sight Appeal funds diabetic retinopathy treatment through locally-licensed vitreoretinal specialists at partner hospitals. Your donation covers the procedures that prevent a lifetime of dependency.
Your donation at work
Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
£75
Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary
£150
Anti-VEGF injection course preventing progressive vision loss
£300
Laser photocoagulation session for proliferative disease
£500
Contribution toward vitreoretinal surgery for advanced cases
Frequently asked questions
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, causing leakage, blockage and abnormal new vessel growth. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults globally and is rising fast in Pakistan and Indonesia.
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
Yes — with laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections and vitreoretinal surgery. The Gift of Sight Appeal now covers diabetic eye disease treatment alongside cataract surgery within our charitable Objects.
Why fund treatment abroad rather than in the UK?
World Aid Network funds patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford private ophthalmic care. In the UK, diabetic retinopathy is treated through the NHS. Our programme closes the access gap in low-income communities.
Prevent blindness from diabetic eye disease
Diabetic retinopathy is treatable when funded early. Your gift covers the procedures that prevent a lifetime of dependency for working-age adults.
£75 funds screening and early laser treatment for one patient.
How can I help someone access eye care?
Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner.
- Give to eye care
About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal.
- Sponsor cataract surgery
Learn how to help fund an operation.
- Plan an eye-care gift
Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations.
- Where your donation goes
Read how funds are allocated and accounted for.
- Sight-restoring eye surgery
Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway.
- Getting help for vision changes
Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries.
- Clinicians and hospital enquiries
Review standards, participation and professional introductions.
- Screening locations and availability
Check published schedules and what to ask before attending.