What is blindness?
Blindness is not something absolute, but a matter of medical definition. Generally, someone is said to be blind if he or she is unable to count a number of raised fingers correctly from a distance of three meters. Someone's vision is measured more accurately through the well-known letter maps and a number of advanced instruments.

Why does AEC work in Asia?
We work in Asia primarily because half the world's population lives in that continent, and the number of blind persons there is proportionately high.
Moreover, most AEC staff have lived and worked in Asia. Consequently, we have much expertise, experience and contacts in ophthalmology in Asia.

What is the major cause of blindness in Asia?
About 60% of all blindness is caused by cataract. Problems arise by the gradual clouding of the eye lens. Probably, nutrition and ultraviolet light also play a part. Cataract is cured by surgery, which involves replacing the clouded lens by an artificial lens.