In South Sudan, thousands of people live with vision impairments that could be treated or prevented, yet they often suffer in silence. A critical shortage of eye care professionals and deeply entrenched cultural beliefs—some of which associate eye conditions with witchcraft—contribute to this crisis. However, medical interventions are restoring vision and transforming lives through the Bright Sight project, a partnership between Cordaid, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and the State Ministry of Health.
While solutions like prescription glasses and cataract surgery are available, many South Sudanese continue to suffer from avoidable blindness due to insufficient access to care. For those who receive treatment, the impact is significant: regaining sight means reclaiming independence, pursuing education, securing employment, and enhancing overall well-being.
Breaking Barriers and Stigma
Cultural stigma often stops individuals from seeking treatment. Many fear that eye surgery might result in total blindness, making them hesitant to pursue care.
Since 2021, the Bright Sight project has made remarkable strides in improving eye health in South Sudan. Through outreach initiatives, screenings, and surgical interventions, the project has conducted nearly 49,000 eye screenings and performed over 3,500 surgeries in Torit County and Nimule in Magwi County.
Watch this short documentary about the Bright Sight project:
Bright Sight, Bright Future
The initiative extends beyond medical care—training healthcare workers, teachers, and community leaders to detect eye conditions early. Public awareness campaigns, including radio broadcasts and engagement with Boma Health Workers, further dismantle cultural barriers and promote access to treatment.
With every surgery performed and every life changed, South Sudan takes a step towards a future where preventable blindness is no longer a barrier to opportunity. The Bright Sight project is not just restoring sight—it is restoring hope, dignity, and the chance for a better tomorrow.