HelpAge Sri Lanka appeals for corporate support to transform lives through ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign

Cataract surgery in progress

'Gift of Sight' restoring hope and vision

Patients at the HelpAge Eye Hospital clinic

This November, two globally recognised observances — the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October and World Sight Day on 10 October — shine a spotlight on causes at the core of HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL)’s mission. 

In line with these events, HASL, a charitable organisation dedicated to uplifting the elderly since 1986, is appealing to the corporate sector to support their ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign, which provides free cataract surgeries to disadvantaged senior citizens across the country.

“Our mission is to restore not just vision but also hope and independence to thousands of elderly individuals across Sri Lanka,” said HelpAge Sri Lanka Chairman Tilak de Zoysa. “Through the ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign, we invite the corporate sector to play a vital role in giving back dignity to those who need it most. The impact is profound, and we are calling on businesses to join us in this life-changing mission.”

HelpAge Sri Lanka Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge said cataracts are a significant cause of blindness among Sri Lanka’s elderly, with over 500,000 seniors at risk of losing their vision. Without access to surgery, many face preventable vision loss, leading to a diminished quality of life. Through the ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign, HASL aims to raise funds to perform 2,000 cataract surgeries, helping elderly individuals regain their sight and independence.

According to the Sri Lanka Department of Census and Statistics’ 2023 report, 14% of the population is aged 60 and above — a figure projected to rise to 25% by 2041, making it the highest demographic in Southeast Asia. With this ageing population, targeted healthcare solutions, especially in vision restoration, are more critical than ever, he noted.  Liyanawaduge, stressed the transformative impact of cataract surgeries. “Cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure, but it has a profound impact on an individual’s life. Restoring vision allows our elders to regain independence, reconnect with loved ones, and avoid the social isolation that often results from vision loss.”

Liyanawaduge added that vision loss due to cataracts leads to increased dependence on caregivers, isolation, depression, and a reduced quality of life. He urged businesses to incorporate cataract surgeries into their CSR initiatives, emphasising that “A single cataract surgery costs Rs. 20,000. A contribution of Rs. 400,000 can fund 20 surgeries in one day, changing the lives of elderly individuals who need it most.”

Since its opening in 2009, the HelpAge Charity Eye Hospital in Wellawatte has provided free cataract surgeries to Sri Lanka’s underserved elderly. In July 2024, the hospital celebrated a major milestone, having performed over 50,000 surgeries under the leadership of Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana and a dedicated team of doctors and staff. Currently, the hospital conducts 20 surgeries a day, incurring operational costs of over Rs. 56 million annually.

Liyanawaduge acknowledged the generosity of donors, noting that continued funding is essential to meet the rising demand from low-income families. “We are now conducting double clinics to accommodate the growing need for cataract surgeries,” he added.

HelpAge Sri Lanka Head of Community Relations Tharika Goonathilake expressed gratitude to the corporates, individuals, and associations that have supported the campaign so far. “By restoring sight, we give back dignity and independence to Sri Lanka’s elderly,” she said.

Goonathilake emphasised that corporate sponsors and donors have the opportunity to visit the hospital to witness the life-changing impact of their contributions. “This initiative not only allows companies to see the tangible difference they are making but also sets a powerful example for their workforce. By supporting elder care, companies demonstrate the importance of compassion and social responsibility, inspiring their employees to value and care for the elderly.” In addition to free cataract surgeries, HASL provides a wide range of essential services to support the elderly. These include Elders Clubs to engage with communities nationwide, Livelihood Development Programs for economic empowerment, and Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) camps offering eye care and health assessments. HASL also operates a free Elders Day Care Centre, an Ayurveda Clinic, distributes disability aid equipment, and runs youth education programs  and home-based elder care services. Together, these initiatives provide critical healthcare, social interaction, and economic support, ensuring seniors across Sri Lanka can live with dignity, respect, and independence.

To learn more about partnership opportunities or contribute to the ‘Gift of Sight’ campaign, please contact Tharika Goonathilake at +94773130280 or via email at [email protected].