Cataracts

THE ISSUE

Cataracts, which can cause visual impairment and blindness, are a widespread health issue in Ethiopia. They are the leading cause of blindness in Ethiopia, afflicting 1 out if every 100 Ethiopians, and have a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing colors. They develop due to various factors including aging, genetics, long-term exposure to sunlight, malnutrition, and certain medical conditions like diabetes. They also develop due to limited access to healthcare, poor eye health awareness, lack of resources and infrastructure.

The impacts of cataracts on individuals and communities are significant. Blindness or severe visual impairment affects one's ability to perform daily activities, work, and engage in social interactions. This leads to a loss of independence, reduced productivity, and increased economic burdens on families. The consequences of cataract-related blindness also extend beyond the individual, affecting the overall socio-economic development of the country.

To overcome these challenges, sustained investment in eye health infrastructure, training programs, and public awareness campaigns are crucial. By improving access to quality eye care services, Ethiopia can reduce the prevalence of cataracts and alleviate the burden of blindness on individuals and society as a whole.

WEEMA’S COMMUNITY-LED INTERVENTION

WEEMA partners with local hospitals and the Himalayan Cataract Project, our implementing partner, to hold high volume surgical campaigns to cure blindness caused by cataracts. These week-long campaigns are delivering cataract surgeries- and restored eyesight- to over 1000 people in 5-6 days. They also provide local eye professionals with exceptional surgical training, and the medical facilities receive the necessary equipment to provide high-quality eye care services. Through WEEMA’s efforts, more than 6,000 Ethiopian have had their eyesight restored after successful surgeries. Each and every success produces tears of joy and happiness for individuals and their families alike!

FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

Himalayan Cataract Project

CATARACTS LOG FRAME

(What is a log frame? A logical framework, often referred to as a log frame, is a planning tool used in international development to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects. It establishes a coherent structure to identify and express the project's goals, objectives, activities, inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, while also defining the indicators for measuring success and identifying potential risks and assumptions. This framework fosters accountability and ensures that projects are effectively addressing identified needs and expected results.)

LONG TERM DATA

SUCCESS STORY