L’Occitane Foundation funds joint Sightsavers eye health project in Burkina Faso

Sightsavers and Light for the World, a global disability and development organisation, have launched a new programme to ensure people in remote areas of Burkina Faso can access quality eye care.

Thanks to funding from Sightsavers’ long-term partner, L’Occitane Foundation, the programme in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso is aiming to provide at least 200 cataract operations, more than 19,000 eye examinations and 500 spectacles to schoolchildren and adults. The project will also train more than 400 teachers and community health volunteers to carry out eye tests.

L’Occitane has been supporting Sightsavers and Light for the World’s work in Burkina Faso for more than 10 years, but this is the first time both organisations are combining their expertise to deliver an eye health programme.

Robin King, Sightsavers’ corporate partnerships manager, said: “L’Occitane Foundation supported a really successful neglected tropical diseases programme in Burkina Faso for a number of years and we are delighted to see their support evolve to cover our fantastic eye health work. It’s a real privilege to be working so closely with the highly experienced teams from Light for the World and Sightsavers on the ground. I’m looking forward to hearing all about the impact of the project.”

Étienne Bagré, country director for Light for the World in Burkina Faso, added: “Access to quality eye health services is a fundamental right, yet too many people in Burkina Faso still face barriers. Together with Sightsavers and L’Occitane Foundation, we provide life-changing services – continuing the child eye health programme, which Light for the World has been running since 2021. It is through this type of collaboration that we can make eye health a reality for all.”

Clémence Fraudeau, L’Occitane Foundation’s philanthropy project leader, said: “We are very excited to start this new partnership that is building on the amazing work we have already done together. This collaboration will positively impact the lives of many and keep advocating for accessible, quality eye care for all.”