Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
We Build Hope: Celebrating Scars as Symbols of Resilience and Strength

Help Us Build Hope
We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
Explore Global Initiatives
- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Education and Training Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
- Operation 100 Our bold strategy to bring essential surgical care closer to patients.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
Donate Now

- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Education and Training
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Operation 100
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Events

Show your support in person at Operation Smile events.

A women shows a child something during a tour of the Interactive Learning Center.

World of Medicine: STEAMCON

July 18, 2026
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Families are invited to come and explore science, technology, engineering and math at Operation Smile’s Anthony L. & Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center exhibit. Learn how the world of medicine and the power of service helps children affected by cleft conditions receive the surgery they need and deserve worldwide.

A camper holds blankets made for our patients.

ILC Young Scholars Summer Camp

August 10-14, 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Campers will dive into compassionate creativity through hands-on art projects inspired by service and empathy. They’ll learn how creativity can make a real difference in the world. Through guided service-learning experiences, each camper will discover the power of art as a tool for kindness, healing and connection.

Get Involved

You can give a child the chance to grow up happy and healthy — free from stigma and isolation, and full of hope for the future.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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