Choithram Cataract Outreach Restores Sight to Over 1,000 Sierra Leoneans as 8,800 Screened Nationwide
By: James Kamara-Manneh
A transformative Cataract Surgery Outreach Program led by Choithram Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several international partners has successfully restored the gift of sight to over 1,000 individuals across Sierra Leone. The program, which commenced in March 2025, is set to officially conclude in early July, having screened more than 8,800 people and performed over 1,370 sight-saving surgeries.
In a media briefing held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, the hospital’s head, Harish Agnani, provided an update on the initiative’s progress. He revealed that 1,370 individuals were identified as eligible for cataract surgery, with 1,058 procedures already completed successfully.
“Our original goal was to carry out 1,000 surgeries in four months,” Agnani stated. “With the dedication of our team, including seven Indian specialists and two recently arrived surgeons, we have not only met but exceeded that target. We are now performing between 25 to 30 surgeries each day, significantly surpassing our initial estimate of 15 to 20.”
Agnani stressed that all aspects of the program—from transportation and accommodation to surgeries and post-operative care—have been provided entirely free of charge. Patients from remote districts such as Kambia and Pujehun have been transported to Freetown, housed overnight, treated, and safely returned to their communities.
The program has received vital support from the Ministry of Health and international organizations including the Noor Dubai Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation, Global Foundation, and Choithram International Foundation. Additionally,
Choithram Netralaya has supplied essential personnel to support surgical operations and patient care throughout the four-month period.
Dr. Gorinath M. George, Head of Medical Services at Choithram Memorial Hospital, praised the tireless efforts of the medical professionals involved. “Our doctors have worked around the clock, including weekends, to accommodate patients arriving late from the provinces. Their commitment and selflessness have been instrumental to this program’s success,” he said.
He also highlighted the rigorous screening procedures patients undergo before surgery. “Roughly 10% of those screened are ruled out due to medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can complicate surgery,” Dr. George explained.
Dr. Lloyd Harrison Williams, Acting National Eye Health Programme Manager, provided further context on the program’s national reach. “Screenings have been conducted in every district. Provincial screenings will wrap up by Saturday, June 21, allowing time for final operations before the surgical phase ends on July 8,” he stated. He also noted that despite available transport and assistance, turnout in some districts was lower than anticipated, highlighting the need for stronger community mobilization in future initiatives.
“Nonetheless, over 1,300 people now have restored or improved vision, and that is a milestone worth celebrating,” Dr. Williams added.
The press conference also featured the introduction of the newest medical professionals from India, Dr. Nita Khan and Dr. Meghna Jain, who bring years of experience in cataract surgery and are actively involved in training Sierra Leonean medical staff. “It has been a fulfilling experience working here,” said Dr. Jain. “The people’s warmth and appreciation have made it all the more meaningful.”
The Cataract Outreach Program has not only provided life-changing medical care to patients but has also fostered local capacity-building and set a benchmark for public health collaborations in Sierra Leone.
The event concluded with heartfelt testimonies from several grateful patients who shared how their lives have been transformed by regaining their sight. Their stories underscored the profound impact of the initiative on individuals, families, and communities.
Final provincial screenings will end on June 21, while activities in Freetown will conclude by June 25. Surgical operations are scheduled to finish by July 8, marking the successful close of one of the country’s largest-ever eye health interventions.
