UNITED24 Launches $1.5M Campaign to Restore Eyesight for Ukrainians Injured in War

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, bombardments, artillery fire, mines, and drone attacks have become leading causes of severe eye injuries among both military personnel and civilians.

“During the war, the number of severe eye injuries has increased drastically. These types of injuries require precise surgical work and modern equipment, as recovery chances often depend on the speed and quality of medical care. In critical cases, it's not just doctor experience that matters,” said Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s Minister of Health.

He emphasized that advanced technology plays a vital role in procedures such as removing debris, stopping internal bleeding, and repairing the retina. According to him, the ophthalmic surgical equipment would give war-injured patients another chance at recovery, and the UNITED24 campaign was launched to ensure hospitals receive this critical technology.

The changing nature of drone warfare has also transformed the way doctors approach post-injury treatment.

“Drones are made of alloys or plastic. Plastic cannot be removed with a magnet. Before, our skills, microscopes and tools were enough. But now, we need modern equipment, like systems for vitrectomy procedures,” explained Tetiana Voskoboinik, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Kirovohrad Regional Hospital.

Many Ukrainian hospitals still lack the advanced technology needed for such delicate surgeries. The Saving Sight initiative aims to fill this gap by providing medical facilities with modern ophthalmic systems, allowing doctors to perform timely, life-changing operations and improve patient recovery outcomes.

“I was wounded inside an armored vehicle—an FPV drone hit it. The shaped charge burned the right side of my face; doctors had to perform 3 surgeries. They’ve been restoring my eye from 5 pieces. They saved it and put an artificial lens on it. There is a chance that one day I will see again,” said Ivan from the Kyiv region.

“I heard an explosion. I felt blood pouring all over my body and I couldn’t open my eyes. My left eye was torn into 4 pieces. In my right eye, a fragment went through the cornea and into my entire eyeball. I had 4 surgeries. I can already see silhouettes of people from a meter away with my left eye. I can only see light with the right one for now. Doctors are currently fighting to save my eyes,” said Yulia from the Mykolaiv region.

Support the campaign and help doctors save people’s vision here.

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