By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eliminating preventable blindness, Choithram Memorial Hospital has forged a strategic alliance with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to launch a comprehensive Cataract Surgery Outreach Program across all district hospitals in Sierra Leone. This national intervention is designed to deliver free cataract surgeries and advanced ophthalmic treatment to thousands, restoring sight and significantly enhancing the well-being of beneficiaries.

The Cataract Eye Campaign commences nationwide on Monday, March 10, 2025, with screenings to be conducted at district hospitals in a meticulously structured, phased approach. To optimize efficiency and patient accessibility, the country has been strategically divided into four operational zones, ensuring seamless execution and outreach.

This ambitious program is backed by an esteemed consortium of global health partners, including Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital) in India, Noor Dubai (Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives) in Dubai and the Choithram International Foundation. Their combined expertise and resources will facilitate the provision of cutting-edge ophthalmic interventions, guaranteeing that all surgeries and associated treatments are administered completely free of charge.

With an ambitious target of conducting approximately 2,000 cataract surgeries over a four-month period spanning from March 26, 2025, to July 15, 2025, the program seeks to restore vision through both traditional cataract extraction procedures and the state-of-the-art Phacoemulsification technique. The initiative will be meticulously supervised by the National Eye Health Program Manager at MoH to ensure adherence to global best practices in ophthalmic care.

A three-tiered screening process has been devised to identify and prioritize surgical candidates:

- Preliminary Screening: Conducted by District Eye Health specialists at designated Government hospitals to assess patients and detect cataract conditions.


- Secondary Evaluation: Ophthalmologists at Choithram Memorial Hospital will conduct remote assessments via telemedicine to shortlist eligible candidates for surgery.


- Final Selection: Patients approved for surgery will be transported to Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, where an expert team of visiting surgeons will conduct comprehensive pre-operative evaluations a day before the scheduled procedures.

To remove logistical barriers, Choithram Memorial Hospital has committed to arranging transportation for patients to and from Freetown. Additionally, all surgical candidates will receive a per diem allowance to cover meals, lodging and local transit expenses for their three-day stay in the capital. Upon discharge, they will be equipped with essential post-operative medications at no cost, with follow-up care seamlessly integrated into district hospital services.

A key component of this initiative is its focus on medical capacity building. In alignment with the MoH, the program will provide structured training for local medical personnel, with two doctors and four nurse practitioners undergoing specialized surgical mentorship each month. Furthermore, Choithram Memorial Hospital has procured sophisticated surgical equipment, including high-precision operating microscopes, Phacoemulsification machines, intraocular lenses and other essential consumables, ensuring the highest standards of surgical excellence.

To enhance patient support and streamline communication, a dedicated Public Relations Officer will be assigned to facilitate patient coordination throughout the process. If the initiative meets its projected impact targets, plans are in place to extend the program for an additional two years, expanding access to quality eye care across Sierra Leone.

This pioneering initiative reaffirms Choithram Memorial Hospital’s unwavering commitment to advancing public health, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone in the fight against preventable blindness. Through strategic collaboration with the MoH and esteemed international partners, this transformative endeavor stands as a testament to the power of humanitarian healthcare in restoring vision and improving lives across Sierra Leone.