It is estimated that 37 million people worldwide are blind. In 18 million of these cases, their blindness is related to cataracts.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. There are a number of causes, age being the most common. Genetics and trauma can also lead to cataracts.
The World Health Organisation has identified cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that can be carried out, and 80% of blindness and vision impairment is believed to be preventable and treatable.
We have targeted the Asia-Pacific region due to the fact that over half of those suffering with avoidable blindness are found here.

Open Heart International is helping to achieve the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness with the provision of cataract surgery in the Northern Philippines. The area of the Cagayan Valley has one of the highest rates of avoidable blindness in South East Asia.

The average cost to provide a life changing operation for one patient is $200.

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