Sponsorship program to provide cataract surgery for elderly

A program to sponsor cataract surgery for locals over 60 years old in financial difficulties was announced on Saturday, National Eye Care Day.

Cataracts are the major cause for blindness in China, especially among the elderly. Some 5 million people in China are blind due to cataracts.

“Many elderly people are not aware of the dangers of cataracts and delay the best time for surgery,” said Dr Wei Gehong from Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital. “Cataracts can be cured with early detection and early surgery.”

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are  the major reason for blindness for people over 50 years old globally. 

Many poor families can’t afford the medical bill for cataract surgery. So the Shanghai Volunteer Service Charity Foundation teamed with some subdistricts and Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital to launch the program to offer support to the elderly.