Effective cataract surgical coverage in adults aged 50 years and older: empirical estimates from population-based surveys in 68 countries and modelled estimates for 2000-2030

Summary

Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and in 2021 the World Health Assembly set a global goal of achieving a 30‑percentage‑point increase in effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) by 2030. This study analysed 233 surveys from 68 countries to assess progress. eCSC ranged from 2.1% in Burundi to 77.7% in Qatar, with global eCSC projected to reach 48.2% in 2025. Only an 8.4‑point rise is expected between 2020 and 2030, far below the target. Substantial investment and quality‑improvement are urgently needed. These findings highlight a widening gap between ambition and reality, underscoring the need for targeted, system‑level action.