Giving Sight to the Cataract Blind

Executive Summary

For 17 years, Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) has been a lifeline for Pakistan’s cataract-blind population. Having restored sight to 150 patients through free intra-ocular lens (IOL) replacements, we now aim to help 150 more with a total goal of $50,000.\; L$eaving just $4,937 to fully fund this life-changing initiative. Your support will enable two annual eye camps, providing free surgeries, medicines, and follow-up care to impoverished communities.

The Challenge

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Pakistan, with 2.7 million people visually impaired (Pakistan National Eye Survey, 2007). Key barriers include:

• Limited access to eye care: Rural and low-income populations lack affordable surgical services.

• Economic hardship: Blindness traps families in poverty, costing Pakistan $3.8 billion annually in lost productivity (World Bank, 2018).

• Healthcare gaps: Only 30% of cataract cases receive timely treatment (WHO, 2021).

The Solution

FMH’s proven strategy combines outreach, affordability, and sustainability:

1. Two annual 3-day eye camps at FMH premises, screening and scheduling surgeries for 150 patients.

2. Free IOL replacements and medications for indigent patients.

3. Post-operative care to ensure long-term recovery.

Implementation Timeline

• Camp 1: Q1 2024 – Screen 75 patients, schedule surgeries.

• Camp 2: Q3 2024 – Screen 75 patients, schedule surgeries.

• Surgeries: Conducted monthly over 12 months.

Long-Term Impact

• 150 individuals annually regain independence, reducing familial and economic burdens.

• 95% success rate in vision restoration (WHO, 2019), enabling recipients to work, care for families, and engage in communities.

• Ripple effect: Every 1invested in cataract surgery yields 4 in economic benefits (World Bank, 2018).

Budget BreakdownCategoryCost (USD)

IOLs & Surgical Supplies  $30,000

Medicines & Post-Op Care  $10,000

Camp Logistics (Staff, Venue)  $6,000

Patient Outreach & Transport  $2,500

Equipment Maintenance  $1,500

Total$50,000

Cost per surgery: ~$333 (includes IOL, medicines, and care).

Importance of Cataract Surgery

1. Restoring Vision: Over 95% success rate (WHO, 2019), transforming lives in under 30 minutes.

2. Economic Revival: Recipients resume work, boosting household incomes.

3. Social Empowerment: Reduced stigma and improved mental health for patients (Goh et al., 2018).

How You Can Help

1. Sponsor a Surgery: $333 covers one patient’s IOL, medicines, and care.

2. Fund a Camp: $25,000 supports screening, surgeries, and logistics for 75 patients.

3. Monthly Giving: Ensure sustained impact with recurring donations.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is more than a medical procedure—it’s a gateway to dignity, productivity, and hope. With $4,937 left to reach our goal, your contribution will help FMH continue its 17-year legacy of turning darkness into light. Together, we can ensure no one in Pakistan remains needlessly blind.