CBM's aim is to serve persons with visual impairment as well as people with other disabilities in developing countries—regardless of their nationality, sex, or religion. The history of CBM goes back to 1908, when the organisation was founded by the German Pastor Ernst Jakob Christoffel. Since then, CBM has become one of the leading professional organisations for people with disabilities worldwide. Currently, CBM supports 1005 projects in 113 countries.

Today, CBM's fields of work cover not only the prevention and cure of blindness, but also the education and rehabilitation of people with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities. CBM implements its programmes through local partners. The financial resources, know-how, and staff-support enable partners in developing countries to gradually become independent of foreign aid. Ten CBM member countries and major donors provide the funds CBM needs to implement the worldwide programmes.

Overall aims of CBM's overseas work are to:

• Enable CBM's partners to deliver services in cooperation with disabled people's interest groups,
• Give people with disability the support they wish,
• Promote their inclusion, and
• Raise awareness for their needs

To achieve these aims, CBM cooperates with global institutions and contributes to international campaigns. CBM has been recognised as a professional organisation for people with disabilities by the World Health Organisation and obtained roster consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Further information: Read CBM's Annual Report and Facts&Figures on the overseas work
Read more: CBM's Mission Statement and Values