As the only drop-in centre in Jerusalem, St John Eye Hospital has been treating eye diseases for over 138 years. As the supporting organisation, St John has provided sustainable help to the people by building capacity on the ground, in line with its mission and vision. Over the past ten years, Palestinian ophthalmologists have been trained as specialists who can now provide treatment in every area of ophthalmology. Meanwhile, the hospital enjoys high international recognition and recently became the first Palestinian hospital to be awarded Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
In view of the high poverty rates in the region, it is crucial that the services of St John Eye Hospital continue to be available to every needy patient free of charge. In the course of this, the Regine Sixt Children's Aid Foundation has already provided financial support for the reconstruction of the clinic so that children and infants can also be treated. In addition, existing medical equipment had to be maintained and replaced. These new purchases are necessary to make it possible for children with special eye diseases to have their circumstances eased. The Regine Sixt Children's Aid Foundation also gladly took over the furnishing of the waiting area and the reception.
The measures implemented continue to make the treatments possible and are a real relief for many families. The children regain their sight, escape the social stigma of being "different" and are given the chance to live a normal life.
