The organization was founded in 1974 by Dr. Harry S. Brown, and it connects over 700 volunteer ophthalmologists and other allied health professionals with host clinic sites around the world.

These volunteer medical professionals travel to host clinic sites to participate in sight-restoring programs and educate local doctors to help create sustainable vision care systems in the areas.

SEE's programs focus on eliminating preventable blindness by treating an array of eye diseases and vision impairments without monetary cost to patients.

[1] This low-cost surgical technique is self-sealing and does not require sutures or high-grade medical technology, making it advantageous to use in the developing world.

[3] SEE coordinates short-term medical expeditions all over the world at the request of ophthalmologists in host countries where access to vision care is scarce.

According to General Assembly President Sam Kutesa:[10] The prize recognizes the achievements of those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity by promoting UN purposes and principles while honouring Nelson Mandela's extraordinary life and legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation.In 2016, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) recognized SEE volunteer Dr. Janak M. Shah, M.D., as an Eye Health Hero.