Overview

Being able to see is central to learning, socialization and earning a living. In many developing and impoverished countries throughout the world, blindness is prevalent because there is no access to health and eye care. Simple, easily resolved eye problems are left undiagnosed and untreated causing untold suffering and costing the world billions annually. Five conditions (cataract, refractive errors/low vision, trachoma, onchocerciasis, and vitamin A deficiency/other causes) are responsible for 75 percent of all blindness. For each of these, effective and cost-efficient intervention strategies are available. Two hundred million people could see tomorrow if they had access to eye care. A $50 cataract surgery taking 15 minutes will restore sight. A pair of prescription glasses will bring the world into focus. In this lively travelogue chronicling the efforts of Seva, an international development agency, readers will learn about how the eye works and how eye problems are corrected. Illustrations reveal how the eyes work to transmit images to the brain. Readers will be touched by the true stories of those who have discovered sight after living in blindness. Seva Canada is a Vancouver-based charitable organization whose mission is to restore sight and prevent blindness in the developing world. Seva works in 13 of the world's poorest places: Nepal, Tibet/China, India, Africa (Malawi, Madagascar, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania), Guatemala, Cambodia and Egypt. Since 1982, Seva Canada has helped more that 3.5 million people see again. Proceeds of the sale of Saving Eyesight will be donated to Seva Canada.

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9781770856165

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Reviews

This slim volume documents the efforts of Seva Canada, a volunteer organization dedicated to saving eyesight in 13 of the world's lowest-income countries. Introductory chapters provide key background information on how the eye works and common ailments as well as a discussion about which populations suffer high instances of vision problems--the poor, the isolated, and, in underdeveloped nations, a disproportionately large numbers of females. What follows is a repetitive but satisfying format: detailed case studies showing how Seva has made profound differences in people's lives, accompanied by descriptions of services, interventions, and immediate and long-term benefits. These affecting accounts create immediacy and relevancy for young readers and feed directly into the final chapter, an appeal to get involved through fund-raising and advocacy. Full-color photos appear on every page and help convey the need for and success of this humanitarian program.--Kathleen McBroom Booklist (12/01/2015)

A good choice for youth community service groups looking for a worthy cause, this offering might even inspire a career in ophthalmology.--Ragan O'Mallery School Library Journal (12/01/2015) Saving Eyesight begins with a brief introduction that is followed by four chapters, the first of which deals with the anatomy of the eye, developments and inventions related to eye care, what is involved in an eye examination, and vision problems such as cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness and those caused by infections. How poverty and blindness go hand in hand is the focus of the second chapter. Low income, no access to eye care clinics and professionals, and being a female are some of the reasons why people in certain regions have visual impairment... The third chapter is the longest and details the many projects and programs that Seva and its partner organizations provide in 13 countries which include, among others, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Tanzania, Burundi, Guatemala and Malawi. Each country is highlighted in several pages which also feature a small inset map showing where the country is located as well as a thumbnail sketch describing the geography or famous landmarks. Along with statistics and information about eye programs and partnerships, there are personal stories that demonstrate not only the kind of medical assistance that the people are receiving, but also how that assistance has been life-changing for them... The final chapter offers suggestions on how readers can help to raise money for Seva, and it also explains how the money is used. For example, $25 will provide eyeglasses for five people while a $50 donation pays for cataract surgery that includes a lens implant, post-operative care, medications and transportation. Throughout the book are interesting facts and statistics related to the topic. Illustrations consist of some small inset maps, diagrams and colourful photographs depicting the countries and people served by Seva. Those people fortunate enough to have been helped by this wonderful organization have had their lives transformed by the restoration of their eyesight. A table of contents, a glossary and an index are included. Recommended.--Gail Hamilton Canadian Review of Materials (01/15/2016) This slim volume documents the efforts of Seva Canada, a volunteer organization dedicated to saving eyesight in 13 of the world's lowest-income countries. Introductory chapters provide key background information on how the eye works and common ailments as well as a discussion about which populations suffer high instances of vision problems--the poor, the isolated, and, in underdeveloped nations, a disproportionately large numbers of females. What follows is a repetitive but satisfying format: detailed case studies showing how Seva has made profound differences in people's lives, accompanied by descriptions of services, interventions, and immediate and long-term benefits. These affecting accounts create immediacy and relevancy for young readers and feed directly into the final chapter, an appeal to get involved through fund-raising and advocacy. Full-color photos appear on every page and help convey the need for and success of this humanitarian program.-- (12/01/2015) This richly photographed and well-written book describes how vision works, when it doesn't and provides examples of Seva's humanitarian work. Short illustrated case studies from Nepal, Tibet, India, Cambodia, Eastern Africa and Guatemala give readers a glimpse of the transformative nature of restorative eye care. It would be useful in health and social studies class, in developing empathy and encouraging students to consider taking action to support the work of providing access to affordable eye care. Initial chapters cover the basics of an eye screening and glossary reinforces key terms. Maps, country thumbnails and many sight stories makes this a recommended title for all library collections.-- (08/08/2016)

Saving Eyesight begins with a brief introduction that is followed by four chapters, the first of which deals with the anatomy of the eye, developments and inventions related to eye care, what is involved in an eye examination, and vision problems such as cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness and those caused by infections. How poverty and blindness go hand in hand is the focus of the second chapter. Low income, no access to eye care clinics and professionals, and being a female are some of the reasons why people in certain regions have visual impairment... The third chapter is the longest and details the many projects and programs that Seva and its partner organizations provide in 13 countries which include, among others, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Tanzania, Burundi, Guatemala and Malawi. Each country is highlighted in several pages which also feature a small inset map showing where the country is located as well as a thumbnail sketch describing the geography or famous landmarks. Along with statistics and information about eye programs and partnerships, there are personal stories that demonstrate not only the kind of medical assistance that the people are receiving, but also how that assistance has been life-changing for them... The final chapter offers suggestions on how readers can help to raise money for Seva, and it also explains how the money is used. For example, $25 will provide eyeglasses for five people while a $50 donation pays for cataract surgery that includes a lens implant, post-operative care, medications and transportation. Throughout the book are interesting facts and statistics related to the topic. Illustrations consist of some small inset maps, diagrams and colourful photographs depicting the countries and people served by Seva. Those people fortunate enough to have been helped by this wonderful organization have had their lives transformed by the restoration of their eyesight. A table of contents, a glossary and an index are included. Recommended.--Gail Hamilton Canadian Review of Materials (01/15/2016)

Author Information

Linda Pruessen is an editor and writer. She has worked on numerous projects during her twenty years in publishing, including How to Raise Monarch Butterflies and Saving Turtles. She lives in the Toronto area with her husband and two children.

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