Cataracts are one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in Palestine, despite being highly treatable. Yet many vulnerable people cannot afford the treatment they need. A £100,000 Cataract Relief Fund will enable over 270 patients in the West Bank to access expert sight-saving surgery.
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Untreated cataracts account for more 50% of all blindness in adults aged 50+ in the West Bank, despite cataract surgery being one of the safest and most cost-effective medical interventions available. Rising poverty, unemployment and conflict are preventing many people from accessing treatment. At our Nablus Hospital around 99% of our patients are refugees. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness, loss of independence, reduced income and increased pressure on already vulnerable families.
SJEHG will establish a dedicated Cataract Relief Fund to ensure that the most vulnerable patients can access sight-saving surgery regardless of their ability to pay. A £100,000 Big Give Appeal will enable over 270 patients to receive expert cataract surgery at our Nablus Hospital. The fund will prioritise refugees, women, older adults, and minority groups. Our highly skilled surgical teams performed more than 3,000 cataract operations in 2025 alone.