Lancet Study: Half of Cataract Blindness Sufferers Lack Access to Sight-Restoring Surgery

• A Lancet Global Health study reveals nearly one in two people with cataract blindness worldwide cannot access simple sight-restoring surgery.
• Cataract surgery, a 15-minute procedure, is among the most cost-effective medical interventions, offering immediate and lasting vision restoration.
• Researchers analyzed data from 130 studies across 68 countries, including India, to assess effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC6/18).
• Global eCSC6/18 is predicted to reach 48.2% by 2025, but the target of a 30% increase by 2030 is unlikely to be met.
• WHO urges countries to integrate vision screening into primary healthcare, invest in surgical infrastructure, and expand the eye-care workforce to accelerate progress.