Sightsavers Ireland

First Light for Sight - Arctic Challenge 2025

Shashi Sopirala

Shashi Sopirala

My Story

Why I’m Committed to Sightsavers' First Light for Sight Sunrise Expedition

I’m participating in Sightsavers' First Light for Sight Sunrise Expedition because this cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of vision loss within my own family, and I am committed to ensuring that no one else has to experience this due to preventable causes.

In my family, we’ve faced the heartbreak of watching loved ones lose their sight due to diabetes—a slow, painful process that robs them of their independence and joy. I’ve also witnessed my niece, who was born with cerebral palsy, struggle with reduced eyesight from birth. These experiences have made me acutely aware of how precious and fragile our vision is.

Imagine the fear and isolation of slowly losing your ability to see—the faces of your loved ones fading away, the world around you becoming a blur, and the things you once enjoyed slipping out of reach. This is the harsh reality for millions of people across the globe.

The global need for eye care is escalating at an alarming rate. If we don’t take action now, the number of people who are blind could triple to 115 million by 2050. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a looming crisis that could affect countless families like mine.

That’s why I am fully committed to supporting Sightsavers. Their work in providing life-changing eye surgeries and training local eye care workers is vital. Since they began, they’ve performed over 11 million sight-saving operations, transforming the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

But there’s so much more to be done. I am asking for your support because I know the difference it can make. By donating, you’ll be helping to restore sight, hope, and dignity to those who need it most. Together, we can prevent others from experiencing the pain of vision loss.

Please join me in this mission. Your support can bring light to those living in darkness and help change lives—just as I wish someone could have done for my family.

105%

Funded

  • Target
    €5,000
  • Raised so far
    €5,227
  • Number of donors
    76

My Story

Why I’m Committed to Sightsavers' First Light for Sight Sunrise Expedition

I’m participating in Sightsavers' First Light for Sight Sunrise Expedition because this cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of vision loss within my own family, and I am committed to ensuring that no one else has to experience this due to preventable causes.

In my family, we’ve faced the heartbreak of watching loved ones lose their sight due to diabetes—a slow, painful process that robs them of their independence and joy. I’ve also witnessed my niece, who was born with cerebral palsy, struggle with reduced eyesight from birth. These experiences have made me acutely aware of how precious and fragile our vision is.

Imagine the fear and isolation of slowly losing your ability to see—the faces of your loved ones fading away, the world around you becoming a blur, and the things you once enjoyed slipping out of reach. This is the harsh reality for millions of people across the globe.

The global need for eye care is escalating at an alarming rate. If we don’t take action now, the number of people who are blind could triple to 115 million by 2050. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a looming crisis that could affect countless families like mine.

That’s why I am fully committed to supporting Sightsavers. Their work in providing life-changing eye surgeries and training local eye care workers is vital. Since they began, they’ve performed over 11 million sight-saving operations, transforming the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

But there’s so much more to be done. I am asking for your support because I know the difference it can make. By donating, you’ll be helping to restore sight, hope, and dignity to those who need it most. Together, we can prevent others from experiencing the pain of vision loss.

Please join me in this mission. Your support can bring light to those living in darkness and help change lives—just as I wish someone could have done for my family.

Shashi Sopirala is fundraising towards