About the International Eye Foundation

IEF Programs: Cataract

IEF is Helping Cataract Patients Receive Quality Surgery and Intra-Ocular Lenses

IEF is improving the quality of cataract surgery and enabling all patients to receive intra-ocular lenses to restore vision. Our initial seven partner hospitals in Malawi, Tanzania, Egypt, India, Guatemala, and El Salvador reported a total of 11,155 cataract operations in 2004 alone. But we still have much more to do.

World Health Organization data notes that cataract remains the leading cause of global blindness responsible for half (47.8%) of all blindness—or approximately 18.5 million people, 90% of whom are in the developing world.

IEF's SightReach® Management program enhances financial self-sufficiency of eye care providers while providing quality care for both paying and subsidized patients.

Partner eye clinics and hospitals are now providing better quality surgery, ensuring that every patient receives an intra-ocular lens. By increasing productivity, we and our partner clinics are making it possible for more and more people to access cataract surgery. [ IEF Programs ]

The IEF's blindness prevention and sight saving programs are funded by governmental, foundation, and corporate contributors, as well as individuals like you who generously donate online. Our website showcases our successes and our breadth of services to the developing world. Feel free to contact us with specific questions or requests. [ Childhood Blindness ]