Eliminating preventable vision loss and malnutrition
Our history
Helen Keller Intl was co-founded in 1915 by two extraordinary individuals, Helen Keller and George Kessler, to assist soldiers blinded during their service in World War I.
Since then, we have committed ourselves to continuing Helen’s work. And that work has evolved towards preventing avoidable blindness.
Helen Keller Europe was founded in 1998
Helen Keller Europe is a French association under the French law of 1901, legally and financially independent, yet affiliated to Helen Keller Intl, sharing its vision, mission and values and funding international projects. In 2018, Helen Keller Europe launches its first French program : PlanVue.
Our mission
Helen Keller overcame tremendous obstacles to her health and wellbeing – and helped millions of others to do the same.
Guided by her remarkable legacy, our vision is a world where no one is deprived of the opportunity to live a healthy life – and reach their true potential.
Our programs prioritize preventing vision loss and blindness—as well as malnutrition and neglected diseases that threaten sight, productivity, and well-being.
We are active in Africa, Asia and France.
Our action in France
In 2018, Helen Keller Europe launches its first French program. PlanVue prevents visual disorders in pupils from low-income neighborhoods, through awareness-raising, screenings and accompaniment to ophthalmologists and opticians.
Observation : visual health represents a real challenge for equal opportunities
There are far too many children whose sight is diminished or lost entirely because they lack access to care. For low-income people, the spillover effects of vision loss can be comprehensive and devastating, impacting children’s ability to learn, form friendships, and later earn a living, and to remain safe.
« Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye. »
Helen Keller (1880-1968)
Solution : PlanVue , our school-based program to protect students’ eyesight
- Awareness : we raise awareness of preventive actions among students, parents, teachers and school nurses in schools and middle schools in priority neighborhoods.
- Screening : Professional orthoptists test pupils’ eyesight.
- Medical examination : Children who need it are referred to an ophthalmologist
Care and equipment : Pupils are fitted with glasses or referred to a suitable health facility.
Our impact : 6 500 beneficiaries since 2018
Our international action
Helen Keller Europe works in Africa and Asia on nutrition and eye health programs.
Prevention of avoidable blindness
There are a number of causes of avoidable blindness which we are tackling locally through prevention initiatives run by Helen Keller Intl teams, in conjunction with local public health authorities and local associations.
Saving Sight
Combatting Vitamin A deficiencies
Control and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases
Prevention of malnutrition
The World Health Organisation defines malnutrition as “deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s energy and/or nutrient intake”.
It is the leading cause of child mortality.
The first 1000 days
Combatting Vitamin A deficiencies
Keeping Mothers and babies healthy
Helping families grow better food
Support us
Making a donation to Helen Keller Europe supports our actions in France and abroad.
You can make an online donation by clicking on this link,
Or send a cheque payable to :
Helen Keller Europe – 12 rue Vivienne – 75002 Paris – France.
« Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. »
Helen Keller (1880-1968)
Become a partner
We work hand in hand with our sponsors to establish “win-win” partnerships which, on the one hand, feed the CSR policy of companies, and, on the other, ensure the sustainability and development of our actions through their financial support.
If you would like to support Helen Keller Europe financially, please contact us.