Cataract is a progressive clouding of the natural lens of the eye that causes gradual, painless deterioration of vision. It can lead to blurred or hazy vision, glare, difficulty seeing in low light, reduced contrast and difficulty with reading, driving and recognising faces. As vision deteriorates, cataract can significantly affect independence, mobility, productivity, social participation and overall quality of life.
Cataract remains one of the leading causes of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in India. In the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, cataract accounted for 66.2% of blindness among people aged ≥50 years. Cataract-associated visual impairment remains a significant public-health concern, including in Kerala, where cataract continues to contribute substantially to visual impairment among older adults.
The good news is that cataract is treatable. Timely cataract surgery can restore vision, improve independence and quality of life, and help individuals return to their daily activities and productivity.
Taking Cataract Care to the Community
Dr. Irene Rose Joy is actively involved in cataract screening and surgery camps, helping bring quality eye care closer to communities in need. Through these outreach initiatives, patients are screened for cataract and other eye conditions, counselled regarding their treatment options, and guided towards timely surgical care when indicated.
These camps are particularly valuable for individuals who may face barriers to accessing specialised ophthalmic care. By combining community screening, early diagnosis, cataract surgery and follow-up, the initiative aims not only to restore vision but also to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
With her training in the Aravind Eye Care System, Dr. Irene Rose Joy remains committed to expanding access to safe, quality and affordable cataract surgery, in collaboration with healthcare institutions, government programmes, NGOs and community organisations.
Our vision is simple — to ensure that avoidable loss of vision does not become a barrier to living an independent, productive and fulfilling life.
We get it fulfilled with the support of NGOs and Voluntary organizations, hospitals with similar vision.