GBARNGA, Bong- In a step toward improving healthcare access for underserved Liberians, the Sightfirst Eye Clinic, in partnership with the General Ophthalmic Association of Liberia (GOAL) and with the support of the CURE BLINDNESS PROJECT, has launched a free eye screening and cataract surgery initiative in Gbarnga, Bong County. The program, which began on March 17, 2025, will run through March 19, 2025, offering critical eye care to hundreds of residents who have long struggled with untreated cataracts and other eye conditions.
This initiative, which has drawn widespread attention from local communities, aims to provide life-changing treatment to those suffering from cataracts—a leading cause of blindness in Liberia. For many, cataract surgery represents a chance to regain their sight and, by extension, their independence. However, the high cost of medical care often makes such treatment inaccessible to those in rural areas. The collaboration between the Sightfirst Eye Clinic, GOAL, and the CURE BLINDNESS PROJECT has created an invaluable opportunity to address this gap.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
The partnership between these organizations reflects a shared commitment to addressing the public health challenge posed by preventable blindness in Liberia. Surgeon Allison Paygar, the President of the General Ophthalmic Association of Liberia has been a driving force behind the initiative. Paygar, who has worked extensively to improve access to eye care across Liberia, stressed the importance of this event for the people of Bong County.
“We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring life-changing eye care to this community,” Paygar said in an interview on the opening day of the event. “In a country like Liberia, where access to specialized healthcare is limited, programs like this are crucial. Too many people suffer from cataracts and other eye diseases, but they lack the resources to get treatment. What we are offering is not just a medical procedure, it’s the restoration of dignity, independence, and quality of life” he said.
Paygar explained that this is not a one-time effort, but part of a broader vision to make eye care more accessible to all Liberians. “The partnership with the CURE BLINDNESS PROJECT and GOAL is about creating a long-term, sustainable solution to blindness and vision impairment in Liberia,” he continued. “This event is just the beginning. We need more initiatives like this, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure that every Liberian has access to the care they need.”
Free Eye Screenings and Cataract Surgeries
The event, which is being held at the Phebe Hospital Eye Center, a key healthcare facility in Gbarnga, has attracted people from across Bong County and surrounding areas. The screening and surgery services are completely free of charge, and the team of ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals involved are working tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Over the course of the three-day event, it is expected that hundreds of people will undergo cataract screenings, with a significant number receiving surgeries that will restore their vision.
For many residents, this is the first time they have had access to specialized eye care. The hospital is fully equipped with the necessary tools and technology to perform the cataract surgeries, which is being carried out by a team of highly trained medical professionals from both Liberia and abroad.
First-Hand Accounts from Patients
As the event progresses, the lives of many Gbarnga residents are being transformed. Among those waiting for their cataract surgeries were local residents who shared their experiences and hopes for the future.
“I have been unable to see properly for the past five years,” said Rebecca Johnson, a 48-year-old woman who lives in a village outside Gbarnga. “I can’t read or do the things I used to. My children had to help me with everything. When I heard about this program, I immediately came to the hospital. I am so thankful that this opportunity is here. I am hoping that after the surgery, I will be able to see again and take care of myself.”
Another patient, John Doe, a 54-year-old farmer from a remote part of Bong County, said that his deteriorating eyesight had affected his ability to provide for his family. “It’s been a struggle. I used to work in the fields, but now I can’t even see to plant or harvest. This surgery is my only hope,” he said, a mixture of relief and anticipation in his voice. “I am looking forward to regaining my independence.”
Many patients, like Rebecca and John, are overwhelmed with gratitude, as they never imagined that they would have access to such specialized medical care. For some, this surgery represents a new lease on life—a chance to rejoin society, work, and fully engage with their communities once more.
A Growing Need for Eye Care in Liberia
Despite the success of this three-day event, experts are quick to point out that there is still much more to be done to address the eye health crisis in Liberia. While cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the country, other preventable conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, also contribute to widespread vision impairment. Additionally, many rural communities lack the infrastructure and resources needed to support long-term eye care initiatives.
Paygar echoed these concerns, stating that sustainable change will require more than just temporary interventions. “We need to build capacity in Liberia to provide ongoing eye care services, train more healthcare professionals, and ensure that even the most remote communities have access to the care they need. This is a long-term commitment.”
As the event draws to a close on March 19, 2025, Paygar and his colleagues are already looking ahead to future programs. “Our goal is to keep building on the momentum of this program and expand it to more communities across Liberia,” he said. “The work we’ve done here in Gbarnga is just the beginning, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.”
