CAUSES

Cataracts remain a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, robbing millions of their sight and independence. According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 Vision Report, approximately 65 million people suffer from vision impairment due to cataracts. This condition doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts entire families, limiting opportunities for work, education, and daily life. Yet, cataract surgery, one of the most common and successful procedures globally, can restore vision almost immediately, transforming lives in a matter of hours. 

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Despite its affordability—often costing less than $200 per surgery in developing nations—cataracts continue to burden millions due to two critical barriers: accessibility and affordability. In many regions, particularly in low-income communities, access to skilled surgeons, medical facilities, and financial resources remains out of reach. 

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It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, a treatable condition still steals the gift of sight from so many. Our mission is to break these barriers. We are committed to funding dedicated surgeons to perform life-changing cataract surgeries in underserved regions across the globe. But we’re not stopping there. By investing in the training and retention of local cataract surgeons, we aim to build sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower regions to address this crisis independently. With your support, we can restore vision, hope, and opportunity to millions. 

Meet Silvia Lima from Guatemala. She is a grandmother of ten and she still works full time in her farm. They live hand to mouth, but they are happy with what they have. She noticed progressive deterioration of her vision and inability to carry on daily activities, let alone enjoying time with her grandkids. She was told that she needs cataract surgery but there was no way she could travel to the nearest city or afford to pay for surgery. She suffered quietly. Then one day she was offered free surgery at Visualiza with support from the foundation. Here she is with the biggest smile of the day after the surgery, and this is what she has to say, “I ask God for blessings on your lives, home and family. God is going to bless you and all your life. I have no way to thank you for this opportunity you gave me. You extended your hand and my heart is happy. I don’t cry from Sadness but from happiness because I am like a child who begins to see.