Cataract surgery support programme expands to 45 public sector hospitals across Punjab

LAHORE: A major advancement in Pakistan’s eye healthcare system has been achieved as a cataract surgery support programme has been expanded to 45 public sector hospitals across Punjab, strengthening access to essential ophthalmic services for thousands of patients.

The initiative is being implemented through a collaborative partnership between King Edward Medical University (KEMU), the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), and CBM International Germany, marking a significant step in Pakistan–Germany humanitarian healthcare cooperation.

The development was highlighted during the visit of Her Excellency Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, to KEMU Lahore, where senior academic and healthcare leadership formally acknowledged the expanded scope of the programme.

Strengthening eye care across Punjab

The programme is designed to enhance cataract surgical capacity across public hospitals, particularly benefiting patients in underserved and remote regions of Punjab. By improving surgical support systems and strengthening hospital-level ophthalmology services, the initiative aims to reduce preventable blindness and improve quality of life for patients.

Health experts noted that cataract remains one of the leading causes of reversible blindness in Pakistan, making such large-scale interventions critical for public health improvement.

Role of international collaboration

CBM International Germany, a long-standing humanitarian partner in eye health initiatives, is playing a central role in supporting technical and programmatic aspects of the initiative. The collaboration builds on decades of joint work in blindness prevention and eye care system strengthening in Pakistan.

During the ceremony, KEMU leadership emphasized that international partnerships remain essential for advancing medical education, clinical training, and equitable healthcare delivery.

Academic and institutional leadership

Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz and Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Moin highlighted the importance of expanding access to modern surgical care while strengthening institutional capacity across affiliated teaching and district hospitals.

They described the programme as a transformative step toward improving healthcare equity and ensuring that patients receive quality treatment closer to their communities.

Germany reaffirms commitment to healthcare cooperation

The German Ambassador appreciated the efforts of KEMU, COAVS, and Mayo Hospital in advancing ophthalmology services and academic excellence. She reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting humanitarian healthcare initiatives that restore vision, dignity, and independence to patients.

She also emphasized the potential for expanded collaboration in medical education, research exchange, and healthcare innovation between Germany and Pakistan.

Focus on preventable blindness

Experts including senior ophthalmologists at COAVS highlighted the urgent need for early diagnosis and awareness of eye diseases such as glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” stressing preventive screening in rural and underserved areas.

The expanded programme is expected to significantly improve surgical outreach and reduce the burden of avoidable blindness across Punjab.

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