Celebrating 50,000 free cataract surgeries by HelpAge Sri Lanka

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana unveils the commemorative plaque marking 50,000 free cataract surgeries at the HelpAge Eye Hospital. HASL Chairman Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa, and Council Member Nimal Dias Jayasinha look on

HASL Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana receiving a certificate of appreciation from Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana. From left: Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, HASL Chairman Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa and Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge

By Tania de Silva

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL), a lifeline for the elderly since it became a registered charity in 1986, last week marked a major milestone in its mission to offer crucial eye care to disadvantaged senior citizens.

On 26 July, HelpAge Sri Lanka celebrated the completion of 50,000 free cataract surgeries at the HelpAge Eye Hospital, marking a significant achievement that underscores the organisation’s steadfast dedication to service.

The successful completion of over 50,000 cataract surgeries is not just a numerical milestone; it represents countless lives positively impacted by the restoration of sight. This milestone signifies HelpAge Sri Lanka’s dedication and the extraordinary support from donors and medical staff.

The event featured Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana as the Chief Guest, alongside Ministry Secretary Palitha Mahipala, former Health Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva, HASL Council Members, donors, beneficiaries, and hospital staff.

During the event, Minister Pathirana unveiled a commemorative plaque and lauded HelpAge Sri Lanka for its unwavering dedication to elderly care without relying on government assistance. “Sri Lanka has one of the highest proportions of elderly populations in the world, and addressing their health needs, particularly vision restoration, is crucial. HelpAge Sri Lanka’s efforts in providing free cataract surgeries are commendable and vital in preventing avoidable blindness,” said Minister Pathirana.

He also highlighted the broader context of the elderly population in Sri Lanka, stating, “Since 1990, the country has faced significant challenges with its aging population, including high rates of mental and emotional distress, suicide, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. It is truly commendable that organizations like HelpAge Sri Lanka have stepped in to elevate the lives of the elderly population. HelpAge Sri Lanka’s work in health, mental, social, and economic well-being, particularly in vision impairments, deserves high appreciation.”

The Minister also reiterated the Health Ministry’s continued support for HelpAge Sri Lanka in its mission to support the elderly, assuring ongoing support in the spheres of health, economic, and mental health capacity.

“Every surgery we perform is a step towards a brighter future for our elderly citizens,” says HelpAge Sri Lanka Chairman Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa. “Reaching this milestone of 50,000 surgeries is a proud moment for us, reflecting our dedication and the support of our donors and medical staff.”

Established as a full-fledged eye hospital in 2009 at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, Colombo 6, the HelpAge Eye Hospital stands as the only charitable facility in Colombo offering such vital services. The hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including the Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA, performs up to 20 free cataract surgeries daily, Monday through Thursday. Friday is designated as a clinic day for patient visits and post-surgery follow-ups. This schedule ensures continuous and comprehensive care for the elderly patients who depend on these services.

The impact of these surgeries extends beyond individual patients. Restoring sight to an elderly person often means they can once again contribute to their family and community, alleviating some of the caregiving burdens on their families.

Several cataract beneficiaries also spoke at the event, sharing their emotional stories of how the surgeries helped them regain their independence, dignity, and livelihood at a crucial time.

Take, for instance, the story of Samarasinghe, a 72-year-old retired school teacher who had been living with deteriorating vision for years. After undergoing cataract surgery at the HelpAge Eye Hospital, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I never imagined I would be able to see clearly again. This surgery has given me back my independence and the joy of reading and writing.”

Cataract surgeries at the HelpAge Eye Hospital have dramatically improved the quality of life for many. According to the World Health Organisation, cataracts account for 51% of world blindness, representing about 20 million people. In Sri Lanka, it is estimated that around 200,000 people are affected by cataracts annually. The provision of free surgeries by HelpAge Sri Lanka has been instrumental in addressing this issue, particularly for those who cannot afford private healthcare.

“Our commitment is to ensure that no elderly person in Sri Lanka is denied the chance to see again due to financial constraints,” said HelpAge Sri Lanka Deputy Chairman, Deshabandu Ajit Jayaratne. “The 50,000 surgeries we’ve completed are just the beginning. We aim to continue this mission until cataract-induced blindness is eradicated from our community.”

The remarkable success of HelpAge Sri Lanka is largely attributed to the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of its council members. The HelpAge Sri Lanka Council, led by Chairman Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa and Deputy Chairman Deshabandu Ajit Jayaratne, comprises dedicated individuals including Deshabandu Jezima Ismail, Sanjeev Gardiner, Dr. Champa Banagala, N.A. Subasinghe, Yasmin Raheem, N. Dias Jayasinghe, Nishantha Gooneratne, Krishan Balendra, and M.E. Wickremesinghe P.C. Dr. Champa Banagala, a council member and medical advisor, elaborated on the importance of the milestone: “Cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. The return on investment is not just in monetary terms but in the improved quality of life and the social and economic contributions of those who regain their sight.”

Dr. Champa Banagala said Sri Lanka, a signatory to WHO’s Vision 2020 since 2000, prioritized preventing blindness due to cataracts. Under the leadership of Chairperson H.P. Gunarathne and Executive Director Wijewantha, HelpAge proposed the establishment of an eye hospital. This vision became reality with the opening of Akshika Dr. Soysa Eye Hospital in Nugegoda on 18th September 2002. Over 7,000 free cataract surgeries were performed before relocating to the current Hospital at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatta, under the guidance of current Chairman Deshamanya Tilak de Soysa and Executive Director Liyanawaduge.

 She said that the successful introduction of phacoemulsification surgery, a sutureless cataract surgery technique, at the HelpAge Eye Hospital has achieved WHO-expected outcomes with low complication rates.

Despite many Sri Lankans avoiding eye care due to poverty, HelpAge Sri Lanka’s mobile service program now reaches remote areas, screening patients and providing necessary cataract surgeries. “An MOU with the Ministry of Health, along with support from the College of Ophthalmologists, facilitates these operations in their hospitals,” said Dr. Banagala. She added that all of these initiatives are funded by HelpAge Sri Lanka.

HASL Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge, highlighted the critical role of donor contributions in reaching this milestone. “The generosity of our donors and sponsors has been pivotal in achieving our goals. Your support has enabled us to make a profound impact on the lives of senior citizens in need,” he stated.

As HelpAge Sri Lanka celebrates this monumental achievement, the organisation remains focused on future goals. Plans are underway to expand their services to rural areas where access to eye care is limited. Mobile eye clinics are being developed to reach those who cannot travel to Colombo, ensuring that the gift of sight is available to all elderly Sri Lankans, regardless of their location.

“We envision a Sri Lanka where every elderly person has access to the eye care they need,” says Council member Yasmin Raheem. “With the support of our donors, volunteers, and medical professionals, we are confident that we can achieve this vision.”

This milestone is not just a celebration of numbers but a celebration of life, vision, and hope. As the organisation continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains dedicated to its mission: to ensure that every elderly person in Sri Lanka can live a dignified, independent, and fulfilling life. In the words of one grateful patient: “HelpAge Sri Lanka has given me the greatest gift of all – the gift of sight.” This sentiment echoes the collective gratitude of the thousands who have benefited from HelpAge Sri Lanka’s life-changing services.

 - Pix by Lasantha Kumara