Sierra Leone Cataract Programme Completes 1,522 Surgeries in Second Phase

A nationwide cataract outreach programme in Sierra Leone performed 1,522 surgeries during its second phase, expanding free eye-care services between March and August 2026.

The initiative was implemented by Choithram International Foundation in partnership with Noor Dubai Foundation, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Choithram Memorial Hospital. Information released on 21 October showed that more than 5,768 adults were screened or received consultations, while 2,460 patients were given medical treatment.

Patients received surgery, medicines, transportation, accommodation and postoperative care without charge. The programme attracted beneficiaries from across Sierra Leone as well as neighbouring Guinea and Liberia.

Training and hospital capacity

Seventeen ophthalmic professionals received training in cataract surgery, ophthalmic nursing, operating theatre nursing and specialist medical practice. Sierra Leonean medical personnel also took part in monthly professional exchanges and technical mentorship provided by Choithram Netralaya in India.

At Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, two operating theatres functioned at the same time during the outreach. The programme was established in 2024 to address cataract-related blindness through free surgery, community screening, professional development and stronger long-term eye-care capacity.

Isatu Kamara, one of the beneficiaries, described the result of her operation positively. “My right eye is now very bright. I am happy with the result and I look forward to coming back next year for the left eye,” she said.

Evaluation points to follow-up challenges

The programme’s first implementation cycle, conducted from February to August 2025, was assessed in a peer-reviewed study published in BMJ Open on 9 October 2026. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast and Noor Dubai Foundation examined effectiveness, patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and changes in quality of life after surgery.

The study recorded 9,117 people screened and 1,433 cataract surgeries during that first cycle. Among 271 patients who completed follow-up assessments, vision-related quality-of-life scores improved by an average of 17 points.

Researchers also identified several service-delivery difficulties, including shortages of trained personnel, transport problems, incomplete clinical records and limited attendance at postoperative appointments. Only 19 percent of patients returned for the one-month follow-up assessment.

The findings come against a significant national eye-health burden. Sierra Leone’s 2021 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness reported that approximately 5.4 percent of people aged 50 and above were blind, with cataracts accounting for nearly 60 percent of blindness cases.

Next phase planned for 2027

Implementing partners are planning a third phase for January to April 2027. The programme is expected to target between 2,500 and 3,000 cataract surgeries over approximately 80 working days, with an operational goal of about 40 surgeries each day while maintaining patient safety and clinical-care standards.

Preliminary screenings for the next cycle began on 1 September 2026. Partners also plan to work more closely with district health authorities to improve patient identification, referrals and access to surgery, while using additional Sierra Leonean ophthalmic professionals trained during the previous two phases. Continued technical guidance from Choithram Netralaya is also planned.

Mr. L.T. Pagarani, Chairman of Choithrams Group, said the second year reflected a stronger collaborative effort after the programme’s initial cycle. The initiative is linked to World Health Organization global eye-care objectives for 2030.