WHO Urges Action to Close Cataract Surgery Gap & Prevent Avoidable Blindness
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for accelerated global action to address a significant gap in access to cataract surgery, a highly effective and affordable procedure that can restore sight to millions. A new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that nearly half of individuals worldwide affected by cataract-related blindness still lack access to the treatment they need.
Cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye’s lens, impact over 94 million people globally and are a leading cause of visual impairment. Despite being a relatively simple procedure – often completed in under 15 minutes – cataract surgery remains inaccessible to a substantial portion of the population. The WHO emphasizes the transformative impact of restoring vision, citing increased independence, dignity, and opportunity for those who receive treatment.
Global coverage of cataract surgery has seen an approximate 15% increase over the past two decades, coinciding with aging populations and a rise in cataract cases. Current projections estimate an 8.4% increase in coverage for this decade, but the WHO warns that this progress is insufficient to meet the World Health Assembly’s target of a 30% increase by 2030. “Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision and transform lives,” stated Devora Kestel, Director a.i., WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.
The study, based on data from 68 countries in 2023 and 2024, highlights significant regional disparities. The African Region faces the most substantial challenge, with three out of four individuals requiring cataract surgery currently unable to access it. Women consistently experience lower rates of access to care compared to men across all regions, indicating a persistent gender inequity.
These disparities are attributed to systemic barriers, including shortages and uneven distribution of trained eye-care professionals, the financial burden of out-of-pocket costs, lengthy waiting times for procedures, and a lack of awareness about available services. Factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation, tobacco use, corticosteroid use, and diabetes can also accelerate the development of cataracts, increasing the overall demand for surgical intervention.
The WHO recommends integrating vision screening and eye examinations into primary healthcare systems as a key strategy for closing the access gap. Investing in essential surgical infrastructure and expanding the eye-care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are also considered crucial steps. Targeted initiatives to prioritize women and marginalized communities are essential to address existing inequities and ensure equitable access to care.
The WHO is urging governments, civil society organizations, and partner institutions to build upon existing efforts, address gender and geographic disparities, and prioritize underserved populations. The organization has not specified a date for a follow-up assessment of progress toward the 2030 target, but continues to monitor global coverage rates.