SEVA FOUNDATION

The story of cataracts looks very different depending on where someone lives. In much of the Western world, cataracts are identified early, often before vision loss becomes severe. Treatment is timely, and surgery almost always restores near-normal sight.

In many low- and middle-income countries, the reality can be starkly different. People are often diagnosed late, after vision has already deteriorated dramatically. The cataracts are not different. The surgery is not different. The critical difference is timing and access to eye care.

Cataract Awareness Month exists to educate the public about how cataracts impact lives and why eye care must be prioritized in global health agendas. A Seva-sponsored surgery can correct cataracts in 15 minutes and costs as little as $50. A condition so treatable should not remain one of the world’s leading causes of visual impairment.

Learn more about Seva’s work to end avoidable blindness at seva.org/vision

These were the words Jayanti Devi shared after receiving a life-transforming cataract surgery, made possible by supporters like you.

For a year, mature cataracts robbed Jayanti of her ability to care for her home and tend her fields in Uttarakhand, India. Now, she is flourishing again, cooking meals, working her land, and threading needles with confidence.

Restored sight means renewed independence and purpose. You can help sustain this life-changing work for generations. Through FreeWill, create or update your will online for free in a secure, simple way: seva.org/m7c2

For three long years, Benicio watched the world around him slowly disappear from view.

Once an active farmer, he spent his days tending crops beneath the warm Paraguayan sun. But cataracts slowly stole his sight until he could no longer recognize faces, see the road ahead, or even spot the bus arriving in town. He saw only blurred shadows moving in the distance.

After the loss of his older brother, who acted as his main caregiver, Benicio found himself alone and increasingly isolated. A walking stick became his constant companion.

Thanks to his compassionate neighbors, Benicio reached a local Seva partner, where he received an eye exam and corrective cataract surgery. The moment his bandages came off, he smiled with disbelief. He could see clearly again.

Now, Benicio has returned to light farm work and walks confidently without assistance. Sight means independence, but it also opens the door to possibility. For Benicio, restored vision means reconnecting with purpose and regaining the ability to shape his own days.

Learn why sight makes all the difference at seva.org/whysight

Big news out of San Francisco! Mayor Daniel Lurie has officially declared May 16, 2026 as Wavy Gravy Day, honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of our beloved co-founder.

Wavy has always shown the world that laughter and love can be powerful tools for change. His influence can be felt in countless communities, from the stage to the streets to global efforts restoring sight and hope.

We are incredibly honored to have the City of San Francisco recognize Wavy in this way. This proclamation is a beautiful testament to a legacy still being written every day. Here’s to celebrating a one-of-a-kind visionary whose light continues to uplift so many!

One birthday, one legend, one seriously stacked lineup. Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz is a go for Wavy Gravy’s 90th Birthday Celebration! 🎸

A founding member of ALO and a respected collaborator across the jam and rock worlds, Lebo is known for his soulful playing, adventurous improvisation, and uplifting grooves. Critics and fans alike praise his fluid guitar work and ability to light up any room with pure musical joy.

Join us The Masonic on May 16th for an evening filled with music, laughter, and celebration as we honor our co-founder, Wavy Gravy, and support restoring sight worldwide.

Tickets available at seva.org/wavy90

Happy 90th birthday to our beloved Seva co-founder, Wavy Gravy! 🎂 🤡

Wavy has always had a remarkable way of turning big dreams into real-world impact. With his unmistakable humor, warm heart, and commitment to bringing joy to others, he helped create an organization that has restored sight to millions of people worldwide.

For decades, Wavy has reminded us that activism doesn’t have to be cold or serious to be powerful. It can be joyful. It can be imaginative. It can make people laugh while still changing lives.

His generous spirit continues to inspire everyone around him to lead with compassion and find creative ways to care for others.

It fills our hearts to celebrate another year with you, Wavy. Thank you for making the world brighter in every sense of the word.

Drop your birthday wishes for Wavy in the comments! 🥳

🎉 It’s not a birthday party without a little roots-rock magic! We’re excited to welcome Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams to Wavy Gravy’s 90th Birthday Concert.

Larry and Teresa bring decades of experience, heart, and musical chemistry to every performance. Larry’s résumé includes collaborations with Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, and Levon Helm, while Teresa’s soulful vocals have made her a standout force across folk, country, and blues circles.

Their warm harmonies, twangy guitars, and joyful energy are the perfect addition to a celebration as legendary as Wavy himself.

Join us at The Masonic to celebrate 90 incredible years of Wavy Gravy and help support Seva’s life-changing work bringing eye care and sight restoration to communities around the world.

Get your tickets at seva.org/wavy90