# Diabetic Retinopathy Charity | Sight-Saving Care | WAN

> Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/diabetic-retinopathy-charity
> Our diabetic retinopathy charity funds laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections and surgery for patients who cannot pay. See how the Gift of Sight Appeal helps.

Eye programme 

#  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. 

[ Fund sight-saving treatment ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [ Read about diabetic retinopathy ](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) 

✓ One complete operation per £200✓ Licensed local surgeons — no overseas volunteers✓ Trustee-approved patient lists 

What does World Aid Network fund? 

 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.

Impact 

## How is your donation at work?

Every gift is restricted to patient care and emergency relief within our charitable Objects.

£75

Retinal screening and early laser treatment for one patient

£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.

### Related pages

[Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation)[Blindness charity](/blindness-charity)[Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery)[Gift of Sight Appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) 

## What is 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.

[ Fund sight-saving treatment ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [ Read about diabetic retinopathy ](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) 

£75 funds screening and early laser treatment for one patient.

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World Aid Network is a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity registration in progress; application ref 5290505, ICO ref ZC156579).