Belize

Blindness in Belize

Belize is a country in Central America with a large coastline on the Caribbean. More than half of the population lives in rural areas, where there is little access to health care services. Due to low accessibility and quality of medical care, citizens seek healthcare services outside of the country if they are able to.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Belize, followed by glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In 2010, the Pan American Health Organization and the Ministry of Health teamed up to create a National Eye Health Plan to address the growing issue of blindness and help restore sight to individuals in need. However, with only three to four ophthalmologists practicing in the country, many citizens rely on organizations like SEE to receive vital eye care services.