The Knights Templar and St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital share a rich and long-lasting history, with the Eye Hospital serving as the Knights Templar’s chosen charity since 1914. We could not achieve the level of sight-saving work that we do in the Holy Land without the continued and generous support of the Knights Templar. We are the only charitable provider of expert eye care in the Holy Land and have hospitals, clinics and outreach services in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem. For over 140 years we have been treating patients regardless of ethnicity, religion or the ability to pay. Our flagship hospital in East Jerusalem handles many of the most complex eye cases, with patients referred from our hospitals and clinics across the West Bank and Gaza. 

Every year, the Priories and Preceptories of the Knights Templar fund our entire Orthoptic department. Orthoptists diagnose and treat conditions such as lazy eyes, double vision, and problems with eye muscle movement. The Knights Templar’s vital contributions allow us to provide an essential service to a region with very little in the way of hope. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been incredibly challenging for the Eye Hospital, with our Gaza Hospital suffering significant damage. Our dedicated outreach team have been assessing the eye care needs of patients across the region, providing a beacon of hope in rebuilding the shattered healthcare system. Over the next year, we need to raise £6 million for our Saving Sight in Gaza appeal to restore our services. I know I can count on the continued support of the Knights Templar to help achieve this goal, and to keep spreading awareness of our mission in the Holy Land.