HelpAge plans 3500 free cataract surgeries for 2026-27

Doctor examines cataract patient

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) that continuously provides free cataract surgeries for underprivileged senior citizens,   plans to perform around 3500 free cataract surgeries during the period between 2026-2027.

According to HelpAge,  nearly 55,000 free cataract surgeries have so far been performed   by HelpAge to restore the vision of low -income persons from the time this initiative commenced in 2009.

HASL Eye Hospital Manager Mahanama Wijesinghe said those who are above 55 years age and need cataract surgeries should contact HelpAge Eye Hospital at Wellawatta (Opposite Savoy cinema) to obtain details regarding free eye surgeries.

He said that according to statistics,  60 per cent of elders in the country have vision impairments,  and many others have neglected it due to financial difficulties. 

“Therefore,  our aim is to extend this service  to this vulnerable sector by doing completely free cataract surgeries, “he said.

Mahanama also thanked HelpAge Chairman Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa and Executive Director Dr. Harsha Bandara for extending their fullest assistance to continue this free eye surgery programme continuously.