Our Mission
In sub-Saharan Africa, cataracts account for about a quarter of childhood blindness, yet many children remain untreated due to a lack of diagnosis and adequate care.
Founded in Ethiopia in 2013 by Prof. Ehud Zohary and Dr. Itay Ben Zion, Project Eye-Opener helps children who have been blind from birth for 4–20 years regain their sight through surgery, therapy, and scientific evaluation.
These rare cases offer a unique opportunity to study vision recovery beyond the “critical period” once thought to limit brain development. Insights gained could inform future treatments for congenital blindness, including breakthrough technologies such as retinal implants.
By restoring sight, we’re opening eyes and doors to a brighter future for all.
2011 Dr. Ehud Zohary and Dr. Ben-Zion begin collaborating to combine scientific research on early blindness with life-changing surgical treatment for children.
2014 Launch of the Rehabilitation Program
Implementation of Dr. Uri Polat perceptual learning techniques begins at the Sheshemene Blind School in Ethiopia.
2017 Project expands to Bako
Today Ongoing treatments and assessments
2007
Dr. Itay Ben-Zion spends a voluntary year in Ethiopia, establishes a pediatric eye service at Hawassa University, and restores sight to hundreds of children.
2013 First children surgically treated
under Project Eye Opener
2015 Project expands to Wolayta and Sebeta
2019 Project expands to Jinka
133
children were operated in Project Eye Opner and regained sight
5
sites take part in the project: two hospitals and three schools for the blind
13
scientific papers based on the project have been published in peer-reviewed journals
23
Researchers, students, and local team members collaborate internationally