Which cataract surgery technique does your training program emphasize, and is it commonly used in the United States?

We support simulation-based training for Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery also known as MSICS. MSICS is an effective and cost-efficient procedure with similar outcomes to phacoemulsification, which is the cataract surgery usually performed in the United States and Europe. 

MSICS doesn’t rely on costly machines or electricity. It’s performed with precision and skill by hand. MSICS is better suited for developing countries where cost and limited supplies of electricity and medical equipment need to be considered. 

 

Why does HelpMeSee prioritize funding the training of cataract specialists instead of directly financing individual cataract surgeries

While that may seem like a quick fix, it doesn’t solve the root problem. We believe in empowering local professionals—training people in-country to become cataract specialists. That way, the community gains a permanent solution, not just a temporary visit.  

This crisis of cataract blindness is caused by the shortage of cataract surgeons. Funds used to support cataract removal surgeries can treat only a fixed number of people.  

Cataract operations could alleviate the vast majority but, there are not enough competent surgeons. People who need cataract surgery are outpacing the number of surgeons needed.  Especially in areas of the world with the highest rates of vision loss. 

We use your donations to fund cutting-edge training of cataract specialists who can be the cure to cataract blindness in their community which will result in many more sight-restoring cataract surgeries. We want to equip the communities and their professionals with tools for addressing the problem of cataract blindness today and tomorrow. It is an issue of scale. 

 

How does simulation-based training actually work, and why is it so important?

HelpMeSee uses advanced simulation technology with our HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator alongside an instructor-led curriculum to train cataract specialists safely and effectively. This method allows trainees to build surgical skill through repetition without ever risking a patient’s eye. It’s a scalable, standardized, and life-saving approach to solving the global cataract blindness crisis. 

 

Is my donation really making a long-term difference? 

Yes. When you support a trained cataract specialist, you’re not just giving sight to one person—you’re unlocking a lifetime of cataract surgeries for thousands of people in their community. Your donations build the capacity for permanent, local solutions to cataract blindness. 

 

How can I get help with my cataract if I live in the United States? 

At this time, we do not perform cataract surgery in the United States. We target our mission to solve the global crisis of cataract blindness toward individuals in the developing world with severe cataracts. Those residing in the U.S. may want to contact Medicare, Medicaid or private medical insurance plans for cataract surgery coverage information. 

Additionally, these organizations provide free advice or may offer discounted cataract surgery care in the U.S.: 

Cornerstone Assistance Network 
3500 Noble Avenue 
Fort Worth, TX 76111 
Phone: 817-632-6000 
Fax: 817-632-7001 

Lions Clubs International 
300 West 22nd Street 
Oak Brook, IL 60523 
Phone: 630-571-5466 

Vision USA 
Phone: 800-766-4466 
Web: www.aoa.org/visionusa 

Mission Cataract USA 
Phone: 559-797-1629 

Eye Care America 
Phone: 877-887-6327 

 

I live outside the U.S. and cannot see due to cataract—can HelpMeSee help me directly? 
HelpMeSee does not currently provide direct surgery to patients, but we support the training of local cataract specialists in countries around the world. You may be able to find help through government hospitals or charitable eye programs in your area. If you’re in a country where we have partners, a trained cataract specialist may be nearby.