Introduction
Cataract blindness remains one of the most widespread yet preventable causes of vision impairment worldwide. While millions suffer, the solutions to restore sight are both affordable and accessible when implemented correctly. Tej Kohli, a visionary investor and philanthropist, has been at the forefront of scaling eye care solutions globally. His partnership with Dr. Sanduk Ruit and the establishment of the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation have already helped over 48,000 people regain their sight, with an ambitious goal to eliminate cataract blindness for 1 million people by 2030.
For a deeper insight into Tej Kohli’s commitment to transforming eye care, read the Mission Of Philanthropist Tej Kohli.
The Global Burden of Cataract Blindness
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), over 100 million people suffer from cataract-related blindness, with nearly 5 million new cases each year. In underdeveloped regions, 90% of these cases remain untreated due to lack of access to affordable medical care.
Key challenges include:
High costs of traditional cataract surgeries
Shortage of trained ophthalmologists in remote areas
Limited awareness and outreach programs
How Tej Kohli is Scaling Eye Care Solutions
Tej Kohli’s approach to eliminating cataract blindness is scalable, innovative, and cost-effective. Through his foundation’s strategic interventions, his team has developed an impact-driven model that tackles cataract blindness at a large scale.
1. Mass-Scale Cataract Surgeries at Outreach Camps
Microsurgical outreach camps are set up in remote villages across Nepal, Bhutan, Ghana, and India to reach those most in need. Highly efficient 7-minute surgical techniques allow trained surgeons to perform 300-600 surgeries per day. The cost of each surgery has been reduced to just $70, compared to the typical $3,000-$5,000 in private hospitals.
2. Low-Cost Intraocular Lens (IOL) Manufacturing
The foundation has invested in affordable intraocular lens production, reducing the cost of lenses from $500 to just $5. These lenses are either donated or subsidized, making treatments more accessible to impoverished communities.
3. Building Long-Term Eye Care Infrastructure
Training local ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals to ensure sustainable medical care. Partnering with government agencies and NGOs to establish permanent eye care centers. Investing in AI-driven diagnostics for early detection of eye diseases.
The Socio-Economic Impact of Restoring Vision
Vision loss is not just a health issue—it is an economic crisis. According to a study published in The Lancet, restoring sight through cataract surgery can increase an individual's economic output by up to 1500% of the surgery cost within a year.
Key benefits include: Increased employability for visually impaired individuals Reduced economic dependency on families and social services Strengthened local economies through workforce reintegration
The Future of Global Eye Care: What’s Next for Tej Kohli?
Expanding microsurgical outreach camps to more developing countries. Scaling AI-powered eye diagnostics for earlier detection and treatment. Collaborating with global health organizations to create sustainable eye care ecosystems.
Conclusion
Tej Kohli’s philanthropic mission is setting new standards for global eye care. By leveraging technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships, he is proving that cataract blindness can be eliminated at scale. His investments in scalable healthcare models and affordable solutions are transforming lives worldwide.
