The Growing Challenge of Preventable Blindness
The fight against preventable blindness is one of the most pressing yet overlooked global health challenges. With an estimated 100 million people suffering from treatable cataract blindness, the need for large-scale intervention is greater than ever. Many affected individuals live in low-income and remote areas, where access to affordable eye care and treatment remains a challenge.
However, through visionary leadership and philanthropy, efforts to eliminate preventable blindness are gaining momentum. Among the key figures leading this charge is Tej Kohli, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor who has dedicated his resources to combating avoidable blindness across the world.
Tej Kohli’s Mission to Restore Sight by 2030
At the heart of this ambitious vision is the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative launched in partnership with award-winning ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit. Their collective goal? To restore sight to 1 million people by 2030, focusing on some of the poorest and most remote regions of the world.
Through their work, they have already provided over 48,000 free cataract surgeries and conducted screenings for 340,000 individuals. Their efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) 2030 In Sight Strategy, both of which emphasize the need for accessible, inclusive, and affordable eye care for all.
Read more about the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli and his strategy to combat cataract blindness.
Innovations Driving the 2030 Vision for Preventable Blindness
To eliminate avoidable blindness, Tej Kohli and his foundation leverage three game-changing innovations:
The "Scrotching" Surgical Technique – A breakthrough method developed by Dr. Ruit, enabling cataract surgeries to be completed in just 7 minutes, drastically improving efficiency.
Affordable Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) – Thanks to a lens manufacturing facility initially founded by Dr. Ruit in 1995 and later expanded by Tej Kohli’s investment, the cost per intraocular lens has dropped from $500 to just $5. This massive price reduction has made cataract surgeries far more affordable for low-income populations.
Cost-Efficient Surgical Camps – The Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation has established over 105 microsurgical outreach camps across Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Ghana, where up to 600 free cataract surgeries are performed daily. The average cost per surgery is just $70, compared to $3,000-$5,000 in developed countries.
These initiatives demonstrate how technological advancements and philanthropic investments can drive scalable, cost-effective healthcare solutions to tackle one of the world’s most persistent health crises.
The Global Push to Eradicate Preventable Blindness by 2030
The 2030 Vision for Global Eye Health is not just about treating blindness—it is about transforming lives and communities. Preventable blindness, especially in low-income regions, is a major contributor to poverty and economic hardship.
Studies published in The Lancet reveal that treating cataract blindness can increase a person's economic productivity by up to 1500% of the surgery cost in just one year. This means that restoring sight is not only a medical necessity but also an economic and social empowerment tool.
To achieve the 2030 Vision, international organizations, governments, and philanthropists must work together to:
Expand access to affordable eye care in underserved regions
Improve awareness and early diagnosis of preventable blindness
Invest in cost-effective surgical procedures and eye care infrastructure
Enhance global partnerships for sustainable eye health solutions
Tej Kohli’s Future Plans to Make Eye Care More Accessible
With sight-restoring surgeries and cost-effective interventions, Tej Kohli is redefining the future of global eye care. His long-term vision includes:
Scaling up intraocular lens production to reduce treatment costs globally
Expanding outreach camps to reach the most remote communities
Strengthening international partnerships to build a self-sustaining model for eye care accessibility
In his words, "If we develop a self-sustaining model to counter cataract blindness, it could be a game-changer, reducing the grip of extreme poverty significantly."
Conclusion:
The 2030 Vision for Eliminating Preventable Blindness is bold, ambitious, and necessary. With the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation leading the charge, the future looks promising for millions suffering from cataract blindness.
The success of this initiative will not only restore sight but will also restore hope, economic stability, and dignity to the world's most vulnerable populations.
