By Saidu Jalloh
A massive free cataract outreach programme has restored the sight of 1,522 Sierra Leoneans and provided screening and consultations for over 5,768 adults between March and August 2026, in a major boost to the fight against avoidable blindness in the country.
The initiative is being implemented by the Choithram International Foundation in partnership with the Noor Dubai Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and Choithram Memorial Hospital, offering cataract surgery, medication, transport, accommodation and follow-up care completely free of charge.
According to organisers, the second phase of the programme also provided medical treatment for 2,460 people and trained 17 eye-care professionals in clinical and surgical roles to strengthen Sierra Leone’s eye-health workforce.
Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness in Sierra Leone. A 2021 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) study found that 5.4 percent of adults over 50 years are blind, with cataracts accounting for nearly 60 percent of all cases.
The impact of the programme is already being validated by research. A peer-reviewed study published in the BMJ Open on 9th October, 2026, which evaluated the first cycle of the programme implemented between February and August 2025, reported that 9,117 people were screened and 1,433 cataract surgeries were performed.
The study found that among 271 patients with complete follow-up, there was an average 17-point improvement in vision-related quality of life, especially in mental health, near-vision and distance-vision activities.
Despite the successes, the study flagged key challenges facing eye-care delivery in Sierra Leone, including shortages of trained personnel, transport difficulties, incomplete clinical records, and low turnout for post-operative follow-up. It revealed that only 19 percent of patients returned for their one-month review.
The researchers stressed the need to strengthen referral systems, improve follow-up care, and enhance programme management alongside surgical interventions to ensure lasting impact.
Beneficiaries have hailed the programme for restoring their independence and ability to carry out daily activities. One beneficiary, Isatu Kamara, expressed joy over the improvement in her right eye and her desire to return for surgery on her left eye.
Meanwhile, organisers say preparations are underway for the third phase of the outreach, slated for January to April 2027, targeting between 2,500 and 3,000 additional cataract surgeries. Screening for the next phase began on 1st September, with a focus on rural communities where access to eye-care remains limited.
The next phase will also build on previous training efforts, with continued mentorship for Sierra Leonean eye-care professionals from Choithram Netralaya in India, as the programme seeks to expand access to treatment while building long-term local capacity.
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