Giving Sight to the Cataract Blind

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.