If left untreated, cataracts lead to permanent blindness. We partnered with

 throughout Cebu and Manilla to give 14 poor Filipino children with severe cataracts much needed sight correcting surgery and a clearer future.

Cataracts are traditionally thought of as an ailment of the elderly and those advanced in years. However, it is estimated that 

1 out of every 250 children will develop cataracts

 in one or both eyes before birth or during childhood. These cataracts are often hereditary and can lead to severe vision impairment. If a child is left with untreated cataracts for more than a few years, that portion of their brain shuts down, resulting in blindness for life.

While cataract surgery on adults is fairly routine and can cost as little as one hundred dollars, the surgery performed to correct cataracts in children must be performed under general anaesthesia, increasing the costs significantly! In the United States,

 cataract surgery on children can cost between $3-6,000

 to give 14 poor children, who have been identified with severe cataract development, sight correcting surgery. Working with RBI, an organization that specializes in vision-related outreach, we are able to provide the surgery at a cost of under $1,000 per child.

So Miters, for just $1,000 we can change the life of a child by restoring sight to their eyes! I See Clearly is a project that will change lives. We will provide sight giving surgery to poor children who do not have the resources to pay for such a medical procedure. Give your Mite today!

If left untreated, cataracts lead to permanent blindness. We partnered with Resources for the Blind throughout Cebu and Manilla to give 14 poor Filipino children with severe cataracts much needed sight correcting surgery and a clearer future.

The Philippines

Resources for the Blind

I See Clearly - Philippines

Enjoy your Project 17 Celebration Video Miter community!  See what was accomplished and the lives touched by your generosity.

Project 17 is Complete!

Yesterday Ajamiel celebrated his 10th birthday by receiving sight-saving surgery! His mom said it was the best birthday gift he could ever have. Ajamiel likes basketball and is a big fan of Stephen Curry. We hope he will get to play his own game of basketball now and show the Golden State Warriors how it’s done. 

Let’s celebrate Project 17 with our Celebration Highlights video. Enjoy!


Happy Birthday, Ajamiel!

Meet Jella and Jhia, 8-year-old twins with congenital cataracts. In 2009, they were among 16 children who received life-changing cataract surgery provided by Resources for the Blind International. Now they are able to attend school, help their parents at home, and play with their friends. Their lives completely changed because they can see.

Mite has the incredible opportunity to partner with RBI to provide 14 children with cataract surgeries this August. Get involved today and help a child see.
