Geneva, 11 February 2026 — The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate efforts to expand access to cataract surgery. This is one of the most cost-effective and transformative medical interventions. However, new research revealed startling data. The study shows that one in two people with cataract-related visual impairment or blindness still do not receive this simple procedure.
The study by McCormick et al. (2026), recently published today in The Lancet Global Health, shows a large and persistent global gap in surgical coverage. Even though the total coverage has improved modestly over the past two decades, WHO says progress must accelerate. This is necessary if the region and the world are to meet the World Health Assembly target. The target is a 30 per cent increase in effective cataract surgical coverage by 2030.
Cataract Burden and Coverage Trends
Cataract, the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, affects more than 94 million people worldwide. It causes blurred vision, and if left untreated, it leads to blindness. The procedure to remove and replace the clouded lens typically takes about 15 minutes. It can be performed safely in most settings and provides immediate and lasting vision restoration.
Over the past 20 years, global surgical coverage has risen by about 15 per cent. This increase has occurred even as demand has grown due to ageing populations. However, the latest modelling indicates that coverage is projected to rise by only about 8.4 percent by 2030, far below the 30 percent increase needed to substantially close treatment gaps.
According to WHO’s findings on surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 in 68 countries, regional disparities and inequities in access to surgery persist.
Regional and Gender Disparities For Cataract
The African Region faces the largest unmet need, where three in four people who require cataract surgery remain untreated. Across all regions, women consistently have lower access to surgical care than men. This reflects deep-seated structural, economic, and social barriers.
These gaps are driven by multiple factors, including:
- Shortages and unequal distribution of trained eye-care professionals
- High out-of-pocket costs for patients
- Long waiting times and limited surgical capacity
- Low awareness and limited demand, even where services exist
- Geographic barriers that limit rural access to care
Risk Factors For Cataract
Ageing is the primary risk factor for cataract development. Other contributors include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. Tobacco use is also a factor. Additionally, long-term corticosteroid use and diabetes contribute to the risk. These factors can accelerate disease progression and heighten the burden on health systems.
WHO’s Call for Action
WHO is calling on governments, civil society, and international partners to integrate vision screening and eye examinations into primary health care and invest in essential surgical infrastructure. They also want to expand and better distribute the eye-care workforce, particularly in rural and marginalised areas. Additionally, they stated that prioritising women and other marginalised groups is crucial to reducing persistent inequities.
“Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision. It can transform lives,” said Devora Kestel, Director a.i. of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity.”
In 2021, WHO Member States adopted an ambitious target to increase effective cataract surgical coverage by 30 percentage points by 2030. However, the current pace of improvement is insufficient. Modelling predicts that this target is unlikely to be met. Therefore, it places millions at continued risk of avoidable blindness.
To close the gap, the WHO is encouraging countries to:
- Strengthen surveillance and monitoring of surgical coverage
- Improve data systems to track outcomes and access
- Support workforce training and retention in eye health
- Reduce financial barriers and ensure affordable services
Public awareness campaigns and community engagement can help increase demand for eye care. This is crucial, particularly among older adults and women who face disproportionate barriers to accessing surgery.
Reference:
- McCormick, Ian, et al. “Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: Empirical Estimates from Population-based Surveys in 68 Countries and Modelled Estimates for 2000–30.” The Lancet Global Health, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00435-8. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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