Bringing Hope and Independence to Cataract Survivors
For nearly two years, Mirhan, 75, a resident of Maradap village in Juai district, Balangan regency, was unable to work as he used to. The lens of his eye, once clear, gradually became cloudy, leaving his vision blurred and hazy.
A cataract in his left eye made it difficult for Mirhan to see, forcing him to stop growing vegetables in his garden, an activity that had been part of his daily life. For him, returning to work was not simply about earning a living, but also about regaining the independence he had lost.
Cataracts are common among older people and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Simple activities such as reading, recognising family members’ faces, worshipping, walking safely and carrying out everyday work can become increasingly difficult.
In South Kalimantan, vision impairment caused by cataracts is a concern, particularly for older people who need access to eye examinations and appropriate treatment.
Financial constraints, distance from healthcare facilities and limited understanding of the importance of examinations and cataract surgery can all make it difficult to obtain care. Yet cataracts can generally be treated with surgery.
The prospect of returning to his garden opened up when Mirhan was offered free cataract surgery in September 2026 through the “One Light, Millions of Stories” programme. “I want to see more clearly so I can work again. This operation has given me new hope,” he said.
Amir, 65, from Pasar Senin village in Hulu Sungai Utara regency, faced a similar struggle. Although he had impaired vision in both eyes from 2024, he continued working as a construction materials labourer to support his family. After undergoing surgery on his left eye in 2025 and his right eye in 2026, Amir noticed a change in his daily life. “It’s comfortable; walking is easier. I can work comfortably too,” he said.
Fatimah, a resident of Simpang Jaya village in Barito Kuala regency, was also grateful. She was among 46 people to benefit from cataract surgery in September 2026. “Thank God, I was able to have cataract surgery. I’m very happy to receive this assistance,” she said.
The stories of Mirhan, Amir and Fatimah are part of the free “One Light, Millions of Stories” cataract surgery programme, launched by the Amanah Bangun Negeri Foundation (YABN) together with Adaro Group and Alamtri Group in 2003. To date, the programme has reached 7,500 beneficiaries in several regencies across South Kalimantan.
Behind that achievement are stories of renewed hope, the chance to resume independent activities and the desire to lead a better life.
Their experiences show that impaired vision is not merely a health issue: it can also affect independence and quality of life, particularly among older people.
With support from local governments, the programme has been a collaborative effort for more than two decades to bring eye-care services closer to people who need them.
Through free cataract surgery, it aims to help people see more clearly, return to their daily activities and enjoy precious moments with their families.
Throughout 2026, YABN ran the “One Light, Millions of Stories” programme in six regencies: Balangan, Tabalong, Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU), Barito Kuala, Barito Selatan and Barito Timur.
As of October 2026, 407 patients had undergone cataract surgery through the programme. The figure forms part of an ongoing effort to widen access to eye-care services, particularly for people who face barriers to treatment.
For every beneficiary, the chance to see more clearly brings new meaning and hope. Through “One Light, Millions of Stories”, YABN and its partners are committed to continuing eye-care services so that more people can resume their activities, regain independence and enjoy precious moments with their families.
For everyone, seeing more clearly is about more than restoring sight; it can also reopen the path to a better life.