Giving Sight to the Cataract Blind

Summary: Having successfully restored sight to 150 individuals, our project now aims to provide another 150 patients with free intra-ocular lens (IOL) replacements. We seek to raise a total of $50,000, with $5,978 remaining, thanks to the generosity of 200 donors. Our mission is to combat cataract-induced blindness, a leading cause of disability in Pakistan.

Project Background: Cataract remains a significant cause of blindness globally, affecting millions of people. In Pakistan, it is estimated that approximately 570,000 adults are blind due to cataracts, while millions have compromised vision. Despite being a highly treatable condition, many individuals in remote communities lack access to cataract surgery.

Challenges: Cataract is a leading cause of blindness in Pakistan, and the inadequacy of routine services contributes to the needless suffering of thousands. The challenge lies in reaching those in need, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited. Many individuals go untreated due to these barriers.

Our Solution: Our project aims to address these challenges by organizing two 3-day eye camps per year on the premises of Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH). During these camps, patients will be examined, and those requiring lens replacement will be scheduled for the procedure over the following 12 months. Indigent patients will receive free intra-ocular lenses and necessary medicines.

Long-Term Impact: The long-term impact of this project is profound. Over a year, approximately 150 patients will regain their sight, enabling them to become independent and valuable members of their families and the community. With improved vision, individuals can enhance their overall quality of life and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Continuing Our Mission: Fatima Memorial Hospital is committed to ensuring that individuals suffering from cataracts receive the treatment they need. We are actively raising awareness about cataract treatment and providing free services to those who cannot afford the cost. As a not-for-profit trust hospital, FMH has treated over 10 million patients since its establishment in 1977. Our mission is to provide quality healthcare services without discrimination and to serve those who lack financial resources.

Call to Action: We invite you to join us in this mission to combat cataract-induced blindness. Your support can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Your contributions directly enable us to provide free intra-ocular lens replacements and medicines to indigent patients.

Acknowledgment: We deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors, fundraisers, and supporters who have contributed to our cause. Your support is invaluable and directly impacts the lives of individuals struggling with cataract-induced blindness. Your continued donations are vital to sustaining our work and ensuring we can be there for those who need our care.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, we can continue to restore sight and improve the lives of those affected by cataracts in Pakistan.

Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for nearly half (47.8%) of all blindness cases, equivalent to approximately 17.7 million people affected globally. Pakistan is currently ranked 12th globally in terms of cataract surgical rate (CSR), with a ratio of 5,203 surgeries per million population per year. This places Pakistan as the top country in the Muslim world for CSR. In Pakistan, it is estimated that around 570,000 adults are blind due to cataracts, and approximately 3,560,000 eyes have a visual acuity of less than 6/60 as a result of this condition. Cataract surgery is a highly cost-effective intervention with an excellent prognosis for restoring sight.

One of the significant challenges in providing effective eye care, particularly in low- or middle-income countries like Pakistan, is the limited access to care for individuals residing in remote communities. Many people find it difficult to reach the necessary healthcare facilities. Fatima Memorial Hospital is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services to all individuals without any discrimination, especially those who cannot afford the required treatment. As a Not-for-Profit trust hospital, FMH has treated over 10 million patients since its establishment in 1977.

To ensure more people receive the necessary treatment, Fatima Memorial Hospital has been organizing medical camps to encourage patients to seek medical attention and undergo check-ups. The influx of patients has experienced a substantial rise following the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the lack of financial resources the hospital is unable to meet their needs. 

In addition to creating awareness about cataract treatment, Fatima Memorial Hospital is actively providing free treatment to those suffering from this debilitating disease. They aim to support individuals who cannot afford the cost of treatment. The hospital heavily relies on the generosity of donors to sustain their work. These donations serve as a lifeline for those in need. Therefore, the hospital urges people to continue donating to ensure they can be there for individuals who are unable to care for themselves.