LOMBOK (9 December 2024) – Cataracts, which often occur in older adults, remain one of the primary causes of blindness. As part of its commitment to serve the public, the Ministry of Social Affairs, under its *“Kementerian Sosial Selalu Ada”* (The Ministry of Social Affairs Is Always There) campaign, partnered with the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PERDAMI) organized a free cataract surgery program.

Before undergoing surgery, older adults received assessments to determine whether they were eligible for the procedure. Many expressed relief and hope. Alimudin (69), who has been unable to see clearly with his left eye for years despite previous medical treatment, shared his struggles.

“When I look with my left eye, one object appears as three,” said Alimudin, speaking at Harapan Keluarga Hospital, Central Lombok Regency, on Monday (9/12/2024). After the surgery, he hoped to regain his sight and return to his usual activities on his farm or in his garden.

“I want to be able to see again, so I wasn’t afraid and didn’t feel anything during the surgery,” said the resident of Motong Tanggak, Pringgarata District, Central Lombok Regency.

A similar testimony was shared by 60-year-old Rambik, whose eyesight had been deteriorating in both eyes, disrupting her daily activities.

“I can only see things up close. If something is a bit farther, I can’t see it clearly at all,” explained the resident of Ketangga in Boyot Village. Rambik said that she had tried to see a doctor before, but financial constraints made it impossible.

“I want to thank the Minister of Social Affairs. I hope my eyes can see again,” she said, her eyes welling with tears.

Dr. Wulan, one of the doctors on duty, performed cataract surgeries on 192 elder people who had registered for the program.

“I’m grateful for the support from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Indonesia ranks second in the world in blindness cases, and NTB is second only to East Java,” said Wulan.

She went on to explain that blindness reduces a person’s quality of life by up to 80 percent and also lowers life expectancy compared to people who can see.

“Life expectancy is lower and the risk of depression is higher in people who cannot see. If cataracts progress to a hypermature stage, surgery becomes impossible, and these individuals may fall under the category of people with disabilities—adding to the burden shouldered by the Ministry of Social Affairs,” she concluded.