The mission of Helen Keller International (HKI) is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. Our vision is to strive to be the most scientifically competent organization in improving vision and nutrition throughout the world. Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International (HKI) is among the oldest international nonprofit organizations devoted to fighting and treating preventable blindness and malnutrition, with programs in 22 countries around the world.

Some statistics:

In under-served areas of the world, the enormous personal, social, and economic consequences of blindness and visual impairment often condemn otherwise healthy individuals to lives of poverty and dependence.

• According to the World Health Organization, 37 million people are blind worldwide, and another 124 million have low vision and are at risk of becoming blind. A child goes blind every minute, an adult every 5 seconds.
  
• An estimated 75% of global blindness is treatable and/or preventable, but 90% of the blind live in the poorest areas of the developing world without access to quality eye care at an affordable price.
  
• Of the three million children who suffer from clinical vitamin A deficiency (VAD), an estimated 250,000 – 500,000 annually go blind. Most (70%) die within 12 months of losing their sight.