The landscape of global eye care is undergoing a monumental transformation—and at the heart of this movement is Tej Kohli, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has redirected his wealth and attention toward curing one of the world’s most preventable causes of blindness: cataracts. His mission, powered by cutting-edge innovation and cost-effective medical strategies, is redefining what’s possible in the realm of affordable eye surgery.
Why Cataract Blindness is Still a Global Crisis
Cataracts account for over 100 million cases of blindness worldwide. While the condition is easily treatable, especially in developed nations, the barriers to access in low-income regions remain overwhelming. Expensive surgical procedures, a lack of trained professionals, and inadequate infrastructure all contribute to this healthcare inequality.
This is where the philanthropic work of Tej Kohli and the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation becomes not only significant—but revolutionary.
The Role of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) in Restoring Sight
An intraocular lens (IOL) is a tiny artificial lens implanted into the eye to replace a clouded natural lens during cataract surgery. Historically, the production cost of these lenses has been a major limitation—often exceeding $500 per unit. But what if this cost could be slashed by 99%?
Thanks to the Tej Kohli and Ruit Foundation, that hypothetical is now a reality.
How Tej Kohli Made IOLs Affordable
One of the most powerful innovations spearheaded by Tej Kohli and his foundation is the mass production of intraocular lenses at an ultra-low cost. Through a dedicated manufacturing facility established by Dr. Sanduk Ruit and massively scaled up with Kohli’s business acumen and financial support, the price of IOLs has dropped to a mere $5.
This cost reduction is game-changing for two reasons:
Scalability – It allows high-volume cataract surgeries in underserved regions.
Affordability – It enables free or low-cost operations for individuals who could otherwise never access eye care.
Empowering Remote Regions through Surgical Camps
As outlined in the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli, the foundation organizes microsurgical outreach camps across countries like Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Ghana. These camps use low-cost IOLs to perform up to 600 surgeries per day, bringing vision back to those who have lived in darkness for years.
Each of these surgeries, complete with post-operative care and follow-up, is delivered at just $70 per patient—a fraction of the global average cost of cataract surgery, which can range from $3,000 to $5,000 in developed countries.
Technology and Philanthropy: A Self-Sustaining Model
Tej Kohli’s approach goes beyond charity. It’s about creating self-sustaining, scalable solutions that empower local communities. By reinvesting proceeds from IOL sales into the foundation’s surgical programs, Kohli has built a feedback loop of impact that grows stronger over time.
This model also aligns with global objectives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the IAPB 2030 in Sight Strategy, aiming to ensure that no one suffers from unnecessary vision loss.
Redefining the Economics of Eye Health
The disruptive cost of these IOLs isn’t just changing healthcare; it's transforming economies. A study published in The Lancet shows that restoring vision can boost an individual’s economic productivity by up to 1500% of the surgery cost within a year. Imagine what this means when applied to millions of people.
Tej Kohli’s Vision for 2030
The ultimate goal of Tej Kohli and the foundation is ambitious yet within reach: to end cataract blindness for 1 million people by 2030. With over 48,000 surgeries already completed and 340,000+ people screened, the initiative is well on its way to becoming one of the largest eye care movements in history.
Conclusion: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Low-cost intraocular lenses are not just a medical breakthrough—they are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets empathy. Through the leadership and foresight of Tej Kohli, we are witnessing a new era in global eye care—one where sight is not a privilege, but a right accessible to all.
