Today's cataract surgery of Joyce Kaaya, 57, in Moshi, Tanzania symbolically marks the 10 millionth cataract surgery in cbm-supported programs throughout the world.
"This is an exceptional benchmark of cbm's life-transforming work," says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada. "cbm's goal is to continue reducing curable blindness. Our focus is not on achieving numbers; but on each and every individual whose futures we can help change."
When Joyce, a single mother, lost her eyesight to cataracts nine months ago, she also lost her independence. Relying upon the sacrificial love of family members to take care of her, Joyce had almost given up hope of ever seeing again.
A cbm field worker found Joyce, and informed her that her sight could be restored by a cataract surgery. Joyce's operation was a great success. "I'm very happy and thank God and cbm," says Joyce. "A dream has come true. I can't wait to read my Bible and go back to farming."
"We are thankful to the generous Canadians who have supported our life-changing work. They have helped make it possible for 10 million people, like Joyce, to have their sight restored. Together we can achieve a lot in the future!"
A global effort
The first cbm-supported cataract operation took place 44 years ago in Afghanistan. Since then, the number of cataract operations in developing countries has risen constantly. Last year alone, 675,000 were performed.
cbm supports about 200 eye hospitals and eye departments worldwide.
Battle not over
"We have every reason to rejoice how many people have received the miracle of sight in just 44 years," says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada. "Yet the challenge of restoring sight to the poorest people in the world is far from over. Eighteen million people worldwide are still needlessly blind due to cataracts."
The vast majority of these people, 15 million, live in the poorest countries of the world on less than $1 a dollar a day. Parents can't support their families; children are unable to attend school.
"Cataract surgery is life-changing, quick and cost effective," explains Epp. "For only $33 an adult's sight can be easily restored in 12-15 minutes. cbm offers people hope, and gives them an opportunity to climb out of dire poverty."
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