Visual outcomes following cataract surgery: A retrospective camp-based study

Abstract

To assess the visual outcomes following cataract surgery performed through camp-based outreach programs across Nepal. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of individuals who underwent cataract surgery through community outreach programs and base hospital services managed by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh in collaboration with the Dave and Kerry Foundation. Medical records of 42,257 individuals who underwent cataract surgery between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. Pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity (VA) were measured using Snellen’s chart and categorised according to the World Health Organization guidelines as good (6/6–6/18), borderline (6/24–6/60) or poor (<6/60). Descriptive statistics summarised patient characteristics and outcomes, and Chi-square tests assessed associations between demographic/clinical variables and post-operative visual outcomes. Majority of the participants were aged 60–69 years (40.9%) and female (52.7%). Preoperatively, 43.8% were classified as blind (VA <3/60). On the 1 st post-operative day, 72.8% achieved good VA, reflecting a 94.5% reduction in blindness. Among the 22,991 (54.4%) participants who attended the 6-week follow-up, 89.2% attained good vision (VA 6/6–6/18), 9.6% had borderline (VA 6/24–6/60), and 0.5% had poor (VA <6/60) visual outcomes. Overall, 94.8% of participants showed improvement, while 2.7% experienced deterioration. Age and nationality were significantly associated with changes in VA ( p = 0.013 and p = 0.003, respectively). Cataract surgery delivered through community-based outreach programmes in Nepal markedly improved visual outcomes, underscoring the effectiveness of surgical camps in restoring vision and reducing cataract-related blindness. Strengthening post-operative follow-up and patient adherence through enhanced counselling and logistical support remains essential to sustain long-term surgical success.