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SightFirst has been preventing and reversing blindness in China, the world's most populous nation. Completed in 2002, Phase I of LCIF's SightFirst China Action (SFCA) supported 2.1 million cataract surgeries in China and established surgical eye units in 104 rural counties that previously had none.
Phase II of SightFirst China Action also is preventing blindness on a large scale. A SightFirst grant of US$15.5 million was matched with about US$200 million from the Chinese government. The goal of Phase II is to perform at least 2.5 million cataract surgeries as well as to strengthen eye care infrastructure by creating secondary eye care units at hospitals in 200 underdeveloped counties, provinces and Tibet. To assure sustainable eye care services for the vast populations of rural poor, training courses for paramedics will be created in the western and northern provinces.
There are two fact sheets available on SFCA that are appropriate for distribution. The quick facts sheet has bulleted points of accomplishments and the SFCA handout is more in-depth and includes photos. |
