Hundreds of Riau Residents Participate in Free Cataract Surgery Operation, Highlighting Need for Improved Eye Care Access
A total of 310 residents from various regencies and cities in Riau Province participated in a free cataract surgery programme organised through a collaboration between the Riau Regional Police, Awal Bros Hospital, the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (Perdami) Riau-Kepri, and the Sekar Ayu Jiwanta Foundation.
The activity, centred at Awal Bros Panam Hospital in Pekanbaru on Friday (5/6/2026), serves as an effort to expand access to eye health services for communities previously hindered by high costs or limited access to medical services.
Riau Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, stated that the free cataract surgery programme provides more than just medical services; it brings new hope to those suffering from visual impairments. “Today, we are strengthening a very important value, which is human solidarity. The best of humans are those who provide benefits to others. Therefore, this activity is not just about medical surgery, but about restoring hope for our brothers and sisters,” said Herry.
He added that the benefits of cataract surgery extend beyond the patients to their families, as improved vision allows individuals to be more independent and productive.
Emi Wiranto, Chairperson of the Sekar Ayu Jiwanta Foundation, noted that the high number of participants indicates a significant ongoing need for eye health assistance. She emphasised that cataract surgery is a health intervention that directly impacts the quality of life and pledged that the foundation would continue to collaborate with various parties to deliver impactful social programmes.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Awal Bros Hospital, Arfan Awaloeddin, observed that many people still suffer from visual impairments due to inadequate access to healthcare. “Cataracts are not a disease without a solution. The frequent challenge is how the community can reach the healthcare services they need. Therefore, we are working with various parties to bring these services directly to the people,” said Arfan.
All participants received surgery using phacoemulsification technology, which is a modern standard for cataract treatment. The social service event was attended by representatives from the Riau Provincial Health Office, members of Perdami Riau-Kepri, leaders of the Awal Bros Hospital Group, ophthalmologists, senior officials of the Riau Regional Police, and social volunteers.