Ecuador

Blindness in Ecuador

Ecuador has a strong national health care system that provides free medical care to all residents regardless of income.  Almost two-thirds of the population relies on public health programs. However, many of these programs do not cover eye care.

According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 61,799 Ecuadorians suffer from blindness. Most of these cases are due to cataracts and glaucoma, which are often treatable and/or avoidable. However, since health care programs do not cover eye care, the majority can’t afford treatment on their own. Additionally, many of those who are blind live in remote communities that are hard to reach. This creates a huge challenge for them to travel to eye care clinics or even find information about the possibility of getting treated.