The Urgency of Affordable Cataract Treatment

Cataract blindness is a global crisis, affecting over 100 million people worldwide—many of whom live in poverty-stricken regions without access to affordable healthcare. The situation is particularly dire in developing nations, where 90% of untreated cataract cases persist due to financial and medical barriers.

Despite the availability of a simple 10-minute surgical procedure, millions remain blind due to high surgical costs, lack of medical infrastructure, and limited awareness. This is where Tej Kohli, a visionary philanthropist and entrepreneur, is leading the charge to make cataract treatment more accessible and affordable.

Learn more about the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli and his efforts to combat cataract blindness worldwide.

Tej Kohli’s Mission: Restoring Sight for 1 Million People

Through the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation, Tej Kohli has already restored sight to over 48,000 individuals and aims to eliminate cataract blindness for 1 million people by 2030. His approach focuses on scaling cost-effective solutions, ensuring that even the most impoverished communities can receive life-changing eye care.

Unlike conventional healthcare systems where cataract surgery can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, Tej Kohli’s initiative has reduced the cost per surgery to just $70—making it significantly more affordable.

Innovations Driving Down the Cost of Cataract Care

1. The “Scrotching” Surgical Technique

Developed by Dr. Sanduk Ruit, this technique allows cataract surgeries to be completed in just 7 minutes, increasing efficiency and lowering costs per patient.

2. Ultra-Affordable Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

• Traditional intraocular lenses (IOLs) cost $500 per lens, making surgeries prohibitively expensive.

• Through Tej Kohli’s investments, IOL production has been scaled to nearly 1 million units annually, reducing the cost to just $5 per lens.

• These lenses are either donated or the proceeds are used to fund free cataract surgeries for patients in need.

3. Expanding Microsurgical Outreach Camps

The Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation has organized over 105 microsurgical camps in Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Ghana, where 300 to 600 surgeries are performed daily. These camps bring free, high-quality eye care to regions where medical facilities are scarce.

Breaking the Cycle of Blindness and Poverty

Blindness is both a cause and consequence of poverty. Studies published in The Lancet reveal that treating cataract blindness can increase a person’s economic productivity by up to 1500% of the surgical cost in just one year.

By restoring sight, Tej Kohli’s initiative empowers individuals to:
Regain independence and re-enter the workforce.
Increase household income, improving overall living conditions.
Reduce economic burdens on caregivers and families.

Discover more about the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli and how cataract surgery is breaking poverty cycles worldwide.

A Global Vision: Making Cataract Surgery Self-Sustaining

Beyond providing free surgeries, Tej Kohli is investing in self-sustaining models that will continue to fund cataract treatment beyond 2030:

Expanding Intraocular Lens Production to make affordable lenses accessible worldwide.
Partnering with governments and hospitals to integrate cost-effective cataract treatment into public healthcare systems.
Advancing research in biotech and regenerative medicine to explore next-gen eye care solutions.

His mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) 2030 in Sight Strategy, which aim to eradicate unnecessary blindness and ensure equitable access to vision care globally.

Conclusion:

Through innovation, investment, and philanthropy, Tej Kohli is proving that cataract blindness can be eliminated at scale. His cost-effective approach is not only restoring sight but also transforming lives and communities.

By reducing the cost of cataract surgery to just $70, his foundation is paving the way for a future where preventable blindness no longer traps individuals in poverty.

Will we see a world free from cataract blindness by 2030? With Tej Kohli’s vision, that future is within reach.

Read more about the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli and his groundbreaking efforts to make cataract care accessible worldwide.