Nyla Mohammed Dewji
Nyla Mohammed Dewji
The Mo Dewji Foundation
Cataract surgery can deliver significant economic benefits to households and the nation, with an analysis by the Mo Dewji Foundation showing that every $1 invested in the service generates approximately $7.62 in social value.
According to the foundation, the value comes from patients returning to productive activities, caregivers resuming economic activities, children returning to school and reduced public healthcare costs.
The Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was based on data from 12 eye-care camps conducted by the Mo Dewji Foundation between January and June 2026, during which 4,238 cataract surgeries were performed.
The foundation said that even using conservative estimates, the value generated remained at approximately $6 for every $1 invested.
Cataract is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness globally, affecting an estimated 94 million people directly.
According to the report, vision loss affects not only an individual’s quality of life but also income, employment participation and household productivity.
When a person loses the ability to work or live independently, another family member often has to become a caregiver, reducing the time available for work, education or other economic activities.
The report cited a study on the economic impact of cataract treatment which found that 96.2 percent of people who underwent surgery reported increased productivity, while 99.6 percent said their income had increased.
Meanwhile, 99 percent reported improved employment opportunities, while 97 percent reported an increase in skills.
The Mo Dewji Foundation said cataract surgery is a relatively low-cost service compared with its benefits, adding that its experience had helped reduce the cost of one surgery from $123 to approximately $67.
The foundation has performed a total of 13,900 cataract surgeries in Tanzania and said it directs a significant proportion of its services to rural areas, where access to eye-care services remains limited.
According to the report, restoring sight to a rural resident can enable them to return to activities such as farming, trading or caring for their families, thereby increasing their contribution to household economic wellbeing.
The report noted that although cataracts can be treated through surgery, access to the service remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that one in two people who need cataract surgery still do not receive treatment.
The Mo Dewji Foundation said cost, distance to healthcare facilities and limited public awareness about the condition are among the barriers contributing to the treatment gap.
The foundation said it continues to use eye-care camps and awareness programmes to bring services closer to communities, while emphasising the importance of early screening to identify eye problems and prevent avoidable blindness.
About the Author
