We are delighted to announce the HIFA Spotlight: Cataract Blindness, Surgical Quality, and the Value of Simulation-Based Training. The main discussion will start officially on World Sight Day, 8 October. You are welcome to join and share experiences at any time from today.
We are grateful to HIFA partner HelpMeSee for sponsoring this Spotlight. HelpMeSee provides cutting-edge training of cataract specialists who can support their communities to eliminate cataract blindness.
For one focused week, we shall leverage the experience and expertise of HIFA forum members to generate insights, visibility, and engagement on how we can reduce the global burden of disease caused by cataract.
Join HIFA today to ensure you are part of the discussion! 
Cataract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, responsible for approximately 40% of global blindness (17 million people) and 28% of moderate-to-severe vision impairment (83 million). It is estimated that only half of people who need cataract surgery can access it. Furthermore among those who can access surgery, only half can access quality care. Simulation-based training offers a cost-effective approach to train more health professionals to the highest standards, thereby helping to close the gap between those who need surgery and those who receive it.
We shall explore the following questions (additional questions are welcome):
- What is the burden of cataract worldwide and in different countries?
- Who performs cataract surgery? (eg medical ophthalmologists, non-physician cataract surgeons)
- What is the availability and quality of cataract surgery?
- How does simulation-based training work? How can we maximise the benefits?
- What international guidance is available from WHO and other international bodies? How is national policy developed and implemented?
- What information resources are available for training?
- Do patients and the general population have access to reliable information about cataract and cataract surgery?
Come and join us! All welcome!
We recommend the following publications to learn more about cataract:
1. WHO Summary of recommendations for quality of care in cataract surgery management https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/aae68efc-1e9f-4e23-8eb0-...
2. Cataract surgery simulation-based training https://helpmesee.org/simulation-based-training/
Contact: Neil Pakenham-Walsh neil@hifa.org
Image credit: © International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
