Phaco machine: A phaco machine breaks a cataract into tiny pieces and then suctions those pieces from the eye through a very small incision. Prior to the development of the phaco machine, the cataract was normally removed in one piece, requiring a larger incision, sutures, and more trauma to the eye. The phaco procedure is also faster than previous surgery, usually requiring less than 15 minutes per eye. Phaco machines are expensive and are not found at every hospital. Doctors using the machine require specialized training and must have extensive experience doing cataract surgery. Because of the doctors’ expertise, reduced surgery time and less invasive procedure, phaco machines are a point of differentiation for a hospital, which helps to increase revenues and move toward self-sustainability.
Poor eye health-seeking behaviour: Poor eye health-seeking behaviour is found in many developing nations, including India and Africa. It refers to people who are experiencing problems with their eyesight but are not taking care of their vision or seeking medical attention when needed. We’ve learned there are many good reasons for this, such as simple lack of awareness that help is available, superstitions or myths about eyes, one’s station in life, a bad experience receiving treatment in the past, inability to pay for services or not being able to travel to a clinic or hospital. Our experience shows us that grassroots education and awareness campaigns go a long way to addressing many of these barriers. In addition, Operation Eyesight takes eye care directly to communities and offers it free of charge when necessary. If a community is to be free of avoidable blindness, there must be general understanding and acceptance of basic eye health – people must desire good eyesight and they must seek it.
Most blindness is treatable or preventable.
