Free Cataract Surgery Helps Restore Productivity for Residents in Mentawai
Limited access to eye healthcare services remains a significant challenge for communities in various remote regions of Indonesia. Amidst high rates of blindness caused by cataracts, free surgical services have become a vital effort to help people regain their sight and improve their quality of life.
As part of this effort, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), through Bakti BCA, in collaboration with the Cataract Blindness Prevention Section of the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (SPBK Perdami), held a social service cataract surgery programme in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, on 19–20 July 2026. A total of 107 patients underwent surgery during the event.
One of the beneficiaries, Pius Suraki, shared that he had suffered from cataracts for approximately two years. The condition disrupted his activities as a farmer because his vision had become increasingly blurred. Before undergoing the surgery, Pius admitted to trying various alternative treatments in the hope of restoring his sight. However, his condition worsened until he finally decided to participate in the free cataract surgery programme. He expressed hope that his vision would clear so he could return to his normal activities and continue his work in the fields.
Executive Vice President of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, Hera F Haryn, stated that access to quality healthcare is a crucial factor in improving community welfare. Consequently, BCA continues to collaborate with Perdami and various other parties to expand the reach of free cataract surgery services. Through the Cataract Surgery Social Service Programme, BCA aims to help the community regain their sight so they can return to performing activities, working, studying, and creating more optimally, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows that there were approximately 600,000 to 650,000 cases of blindness due to cataracts in Indonesia throughout 2025. On the other hand, limited facilities and access to eye healthcare services in remote areas remain an obstacle, meaning many patients have not yet received the necessary treatment.
The Cataract Surgery Social Service Programme run by BCA has been active since 2001 as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme. As of the end of December 2025, the programme has been organised 104 times across various regions in Indonesia and has successfully restored the vision of 9,956 patients.
In addition to providing free surgical services, since 2014, BCA has also periodically distributed modern medical equipment to various branches of SPBK PERDAMI. This assistance includes surgical tools, surgical microscopes, biometry equipment, and various medical instruments to support cataract surgery services in various regions. Under the umbrella of the Corporate Shared Value (CSV) programme, Bakti BCA, the company stated it will continue to present various social programmes focused on improving the quality of life for the community, especially for groups with limited access to healthcare or economic means.