Help Age Sri Lanka Achieves 50,000 Free Cataract Surgeries

July 27, Colombo (LNW): Help Age Sri Lanka (HASL) reaching the milestone of 50,000 free cataract surgeries this month is a notable mission, Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

Addressing the gathering at the event held to celebrate over 50,000 free cataract surgeries conducted by the Help Age Eye Hospital yesterday, Dr. Pathirana emphasized that despite the economic challenges Sri Lanka has faced, the government has consistently prioritized funding for health and education. He highlighted that in Sri Lanka, which has the highest proportion of elderly adults in the South Asian region, it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure the well-being of older adults.

Tilak De Zoysa, Chairman of Help Age Sri Lanka, remarked that HASL is dedicated to enabling older people to lead dignified, active, healthy, and secure lives. “The Help Age Eye Hospital was established to tackle the growing vision-related issues, particularly cataracts, among the elderly. The hospital has doubled its capacity with 20 beds and conducts free surgeries four days a week, aiming for 320 surgeries per week and 3,840 surgeries annually. The hospital’s 22-member staff, led by Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana, is committed to providing exceptional care,” he added.

Established as a full-fledged eye hospital in 2009 and located at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, the Help Age Eye Hospital stands as Colombo’s only charitable facility offering such essential services. With the capacity to perform up to 20 free cataract surgeries daily, the hospital operates from Monday to Thursday for surgeries, with Friday designated as a clinic day for patient visits and post-surgery follow-ups. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including the Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.

HASL has organized island-wide Mobile Medical and Eye Screening Programmes to restore vision and improve health conditions for senior citizens. Nearly 60% of elders suffering from refractive error will regain their eyesight with a proper pair of spectacles made to order by HelpAge’s Mobile Medical and Eye Care unit. Another 30% of elders suffering from low vision due to cataracts will be identified at these camps. Those diagnosed with cataracts are then directed to the Help Age Eye Hospital for further treatment.