By Ibrahim Sesay
In a landmark effort to combat avoidable blindness across Sierra Leone, Choithram Memorial Hospital, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, hosted a media briefing on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to provide updates on the ongoing nationwide Free Cataract Surgical Camp. The initiative, which has already made a life-changing impact on many Sierra Leoneans, is being implemented with the support of Choithram Netralaya and the Choithram International Foundation, with technical backing from Noor Dubai and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
So far, a total of 2,018 people have undergone Level 1 screening, with 1,217 screened in Freetown and 801 in the provinces. Of these, 407 individuals proceeded to Level 3 screening at Choithram Memorial Hospital, including 358 from Freetown and 49 from the provinces. Remarkably, 193 patients have already received successful surgeries—153 from Freetown and 40 from the provinces.
Harish Agnani, a key figure behind the program, explained during the briefing that this free surgical camp is a four-month initiative aimed at conducting 1,000 cataract surgeries. Each month, a team of skilled ophthalmologists from India is deployed to Sierra Leone to perform these surgeries. He highlighted that the program is open to all, with special provisions in place to accommodate patients traveling from distant regions. “We provide transportation allowances and NLe 400 for meals to all patients coming from the provinces,” he said, noting the project’s inclusive and patient-centered approach.
The 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. These specialists bring a wealth of expertise to the project, not only addressing cataract cases but also identifying and beginning to manage other serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.
Dr. Gowrinath M. George, Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, acknowledged that while the program has seen strong participation in Freetown, outreach in the provinces has been more challenging. “We suspect the slow pace in the provinces is due to difficult terrains and limited accessibility, but we are optimistic that more people will come forward as awareness spreads,” he stated.
Adding a medical insight, Dr. Dhaivat Shah said that during initial screenings, the team discovered several patients with complex conditions beyond cataracts. “Some presented with retinal detachment, others with advanced glaucoma. While our primary focus remains cataract surgeries, we are gradually expanding our scope to manage these additional cases,” he added.
Dr. Lloyd Harrison-Williams from the Ministry of Health outlined the broader health implications of the initiative, revealing that cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Sierra Leone. He cited alarming statistics, stating that cataract-related blindness rose from 54.2% in 2010 to 59.4% in 2021, predominantly affecting people aged 50 and above. He attributed this increase to a rise in life expectancy and emphasized the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for older adults.
“Thanks to Government efforts, all public hospitals now have dedicated eye departments, which has enhanced the screening and referral process nationwide,” Dr. Harrison-Williams said. He also stressed the genetic nature of glaucoma and encouraged regular screenings and healthy dietary habits rich in vegetables and nuts to maintain good eye health.
The program has already changed many lives, with several beneficiaries at the briefing expressing deep appreciation for the restoration of their sight. For many, regaining their vision means regaining independence and hope, with some even calling it a “second chance at life.”
This initiative stands as a compelling example of what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector. With continued support from international and local stakeholders, Sierra Leone is poised to make significant strides in reducing preventable blindness and enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens.
