Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage trends highlight gaps in cataract services towards 2030 targets
The latest analysis published in Lancet Global Health draws on 233 population-based surveys from 68 countries, covering 779,706 adults aged 50 years and older. It finds that global effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) stands at 48.2% in 2025 and is projected to reach 52.3% by 2030.
Key Findings:
- Progress below target pace: Between 2000 and 2020, global eCSC increased from 28.2% to 43.9%. Based on current trends, a further increase to only 52.3% is projected by 2030, falling short of the 30-percentage-point target set for that period.
- The African region records the lowest regional coverage: The estimated eCSC in the WHO African region stands at just 23.6% in 2025 and is projected to increase to only 25.6% in 2030.
- Quality gaps persist across countries: Country-level eCSC ranged from 2.1% in Burundi, where almost 4 in every 5 operated individuals did not receive good vision, to 77.7% in Qatar. At least half of poor surgical outcomes are estimated to be preventable or treatable, such as correcting residual refractive error or reducing intraoperative complications.
- Notable gains recorded in select settings: Qatar increased its eCSC from 50.9% to 77.7% between 2009 and 2023, while Mali’s Koulikoro region doubled coverage from 14.5% to 29% between 2011 and 2024—demonstrating that accelerated progress is possible with sustained investment and commitment.
Immediate and substantial investment in cataract services, particularly in the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Americas, alongside better integration of refractive error services and stronger data systems, remains critical to meeting the 2030 target.
Reference: McCormick I, et al. Effective cataract surgical coverage in adults aged 50 years and older: empirical estimates from population-based surveys in 68 countries and modelled estimates for 2000–30. Lancet Global Health 2026; 14: e367–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00435-8
