The Cause

The International Medical Education Trust (IMET) 2000 works in areas of extreme deprivation, including refugee camps and war zones, to provide specialist medical services to afflicted communities. Since their inception in 2000, they have extended their operations to countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The Project

Cataracts are a common eye condition characterised by clouding of the lens which often leads to blurred vision and blindness if left untreated. The condition is often age-related but also occurs in young adults.

In the majority of developed countries, cataracts surgeries are a simple and easily accessible procedure.

CIF partnered with IMET2000 in April 2024 to restore the sight of blind and near blind Ugandans who live on less than $1 per day and lack access to critical care. The cost of a cataract operation in the main hospitals in Kampala is around $700.

Prior to our donation, IMET’s cataracts project had become dormant due to lack of funding. CIF are proud to have played a crucial role in reviving the initiative.

Our small investment has been life-changing for cataracts patients who, with their newly restored vision, have regained their independence and are now able to take an active role in their family and community lives, impacting not only their own quality of life but also those around them.

Our continued support has contributed to further outreach programmes in 2025, resulting in the dispensation of 578 pairs of reading glasses and treatment for 459 patients with minor eye ailments, 96 of whom suffered from cataracts, all free of charge.

Majindu suffered from total blindness in both eyes and was unable to walk unaided, often relying on his young, teenage son to guide him.

He was offered free surgery at Herona Hospital and, after two successful procedures, he now has sight in both eyes and is embracing his newfound independence.

Majindu said on his final visit to Herona Hospital: ‘Before surgery, I could not walk alone. I had to be supported and nothing I could do myself, but now I have come without any support, so thank you so much.’