Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Choithram Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has on Thursday, 24th April, 2025 announced the success of its ongoing nationwide Free Cataract Surgical Camp, an initiative to tackle avoidable blindness in Sierra Leone.
Supported by Choithram Netralaya and the Choithram International Foundation, with technical assistance from Noor Dubai and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, as highlighted in a press briefing, the program aims to bring vision restoration to many Sierra Leoneans.
As of now, record confirmed that the camp has screened 2,018 individuals at two levels: 1,217 in Freetown and 801 in other provinces. After further evaluation, 407 patients proceeded to Level 3 screening at Choithram Memorial Hospital. Out of those, 193 individuals have successfully undergone surgery; 153 from Freetown and 40 from the provinces.
Harish Agnani, a leading figure in the initiative, shared that the four-month program aims to perform 1,000 cataract surgeries, stating that in each month, a team of skilled ophthalmologists from India will carry out those procedures.
Agnani emphasized the camp is accessible to everyone, stating, “We provide transportation allowances and NLe400 for meals to all patients coming from the provinces,” underscoring the program’s patient-centered approach.
The dedicated medical team includes Dr. Dhaivat Shah, a Retinal Surgeon; Dr. Milind Rokede and Dr. Rahul Singh, both Cataract Surgeons; and Dr. Pradeep Ramteke, a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. Their expertise not only addresses cataract surgeries but also helps in identifying and managing other serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.
A Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr. Gowrinath M. George, noted the varied response in attendance, stating, “While the program has seen strong participation in Freetown, outreach in the provinces has been more challenging.”
He explained that difficult terrains and limited accessibility might be factors in the slower response from provincial areas but expressed optimism for increased participation as awareness grows.
Dr. Dhaivat Shah further highlighted the complexity of some cases identified during screenings, noting that several patients presented with conditions beyond cataracts. “While our primary focus remains cataract surgeries, we are gradually expanding our scope to manage these additional cases,” he said.
Dr. Lloyd Harrison-Williams from the Ministry of Health pointed to the broader implications of the program, mentioning that cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Sierra Leone. He referenced troubling statistics that showed a rise in cataract-related blindness, affecting primarily individuals over 50 years old.
He stated, “Cataract-related blindness rose from 54.2% in 2010 to 59.4% in 2021,” attributing that increase to rising life expectancy and emphasizing the necessity of regular eye check-ups for older adults.
“The Government has strengthened the screening and referral process nationwide by establishing dedicated eye departments in all public hospitals,” added Dr. Harrison, also discussed the genetic nature of glaucoma and the importance of a healthy diet for maintaining eye health.
Feedback from beneficiaries of the camp revealed heartfelt gratitude, with many expressing that the restoration of their vision has profoundly changed their lives. For many, regaining sight signifies a return to independence, with some calling it a “second chance at life.”
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