It is estimated that 17 million people are blind today due to cataract - a condition that can be quickly and reliably treated with surgery.
Furthermore the number of people blind due to cataract is increasing every day due to ageing populations.
The burden is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania.
In high-income countries, where cataract surgery is readily available, many people view it as a routine healthcare intervention associated with ageing. Furthermore cataract surgery is a routine part of specialist veterinarian services, especially for dogs.
In LMICs, however, millions of people are blinded by cataract and do not have access to surgery.
People who are blind from untreated cataract may experience:
- Loss of independence.
- Difficulty recognising faces and moving around safely.
- Increased risk of falls and injuries.
- Inability to work or contribute economically.
- Social isolation and loneliness.
- Dependence on family members for everyday activities.
- Reduced quality of life and loss of dignity.
The impact often extends beyond the individual. Family members, particularly women and children, may spend significant time acting as caregivers, reducing their own opportunities for education or employment.
This sitation is one of the greatest inequities in global health.
The challenge, identified by HelpMeSee, is to scale up training for more people to provide quality cataract surgery, through simulation-based training.
Action is needed urgently to reverse the rising numbers of people blinded by untreated cataract.
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org