By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant move to combat preventable blindness, Choithram Memorial Hospital has partnered with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to launch a Cataract Surgery Outreach Program across all district hospitals in Sierra Leone. This nationwide initiative aims to provide free cataract surgeries and treatment to thousands of citizens, improving eye health and overall quality of life.

The Cataract Eye Campaign screening is set to commence on March 10, 2025, at the district level and will be an ongoing process. To streamline operations, all districts have been divided into four zones.

The initiative is supported by Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital) in India, Noor Dubai (Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives) in Dubai and the Choithram International Foundation. These organizations are collaborating to bring cutting-edge ophthalmic care to Sierra Leone, ensuring that all surgeries and treatments are to be provided entirely free of charge to patients.

The outreach program aims to perform approximately 2,000 cataract surgeries over a four-month period, running from March 26, 2025, to July 15, 2025. Depending on the complexity of each case, both conventional cataract surgeries and Phacoemulsification procedures will be performed. The program will be overseen by the National Eye Health Program Manager at MoH, who will assist in monitoring and execution.

The screening process will be conducted at multiple levels:

1. Initial Screening: District Eye Health specialists will perform preliminary screenings at district Government hospitals.

2. Second-Level Screening: Local Ophthalmologists at Choithram Hospital will conduct online screenings to select candidates for surgery.

3. Final Screening: Patients selected for surgery will be transported from zonal headquarters to Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, where visiting surgeons will conduct physical screenings one day before the procedure.

To ensure accessibility, Choithram Memorial Hospital will arrange transportation for patients to and from the hospital. Additionally, patients scheduled for surgery will receive a per diem allowance to cover food, lodging and local transport expenses for three days in Freetown. Upon discharge, all necessary medications will be provided free of charge before patients return home. Follow-up care will be conducted at district hospitals.

In alignment with its agreement with MoH, the program will also focus on capacity building by deputing two doctors and four nurse practitioners each month to enhance their surgical skills. To facilitate smooth operations, Choithram Memorial Hospital has procured all necessary equipment for cataract surgeries, including operating microscopes, Phacoemulsification machines, lenses and other essential consumables.

A dedicated Public Relations Officer will be assigned to assist patients throughout the process.

If the program successfully meets its objectives, it will be extended for an additional two years to continue providing quality eye care to Sierra Leoneans in need.

This initiative underscores Choithram Memorial Hospital's commitment to community health and its dedication to combating preventable blindness in collaboration with MoH and international partners.