Cataracts remain a significant eye health challenge, particularly among older adults. According to figures from Indonesia's Ministry of Health cited in the program's press release, approximately 600,000–650,000 cases of blindness caused by cataracts were recorded throughout 2025. Cataracts are also a leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50.

These figures highlight the importance of access to eye examinations and appropriate cataract treatment. Through JEC's network of eye care facilities across Indonesia, this program aims to help more people access the medical services they need.

The 101 beneficiaries will undergo a coordinated care process, including beneficiary identification, screening and eye examinations, surgery based on medical indications, and postoperative monitoring.

The initiative also supports Gerakan Matahati's target of providing 1,010 free cataract surgeries for people in need by the end of 2026.

To reach communities in different regions, the program is being implemented across 16 JEC locations:

Greater Jakarta:

• JEC @ Menteng
• JEC @ Kedoya
• JEC Primasana @ Tanjung Priok
• JEC @ Cibubur
• JEC @ Tambora
• JEC @ Cinere
• JEC @ Bekasi
• JEC @ Tangerang

Central and East Java:

• JEC JAVA @ Kediri
• JEC JAVA @ Surabaya
• JEC JAVA @ Pasuruan
• JEC CANDI @ Semarang
• JEC ANWARI @ Purwokerto

Bali and Sulawesi:

• JEC BALI @ Denpasar
• JEC ORBITA @ Kendari
• JEC ORBITA @ Makassar

Through this network, the program reaches communities across Greater Jakarta, Central Java, East Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. JEC's regional presence plays an important role in bringing eye care services closer to communities.

JEC supports the program by providing ophthalmologists, nurses and healthcare professionals, examination facilities, and operating rooms. Together with LEBJ and the other program partners, the initiative combines social support with coordinated medical services.

Prof. Dr. Tjahjono D. Gondhowiarjo, SpM(K), PhD, Senior Director of Development and Education at JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics, highlighted the importance of JEC's network in bringing eye care services closer to communities across Indonesia.

He noted that JEC's commitment to expanding access is also reflected in its ongoing social programs. To date, JEC Group has performed more than 40,000 free cataract surgeries for people in need.

This commitment reflects the importance of expanding access to eye care while maintaining consistent service quality throughout the JEC network.

JEC ensures that patients participating in the free cataract surgery program receive care in accordance with its established clinical standards.

DR. Dr. Setiyo Budi Riyanto, SpM(K), Director of RS Mata JEC @ Kedoya and Chair of Cataract and Refractive Surgery at JEC Group, emphasized that each patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, with treatment decisions based on medical indications.

The care process includes eye examinations, cataract assessment, treatment planning, surgery performed by ophthalmologists, the use of appropriate technology and intraocular lenses (IOLs) according to each patient's needs, and postoperative monitoring.

This approach reflects JEC's commitment to clinical quality, patient safety, and consistent standards of care, including in its social programs.

The program also provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about eye health. World Sight Day 2026 carries the theme “Love Your Eyes,” encouraging people to take better care of their vision and seek an eye examination when changes or symptoms arise.

Changes in vision, such as increasingly blurred sight or difficulty seeing clearly, should not automatically be considered a normal part of aging without further examination. An eye examination helps doctors assess the condition and determine appropriate treatment.

Dr. Sharita R. Siregar, SpM(K), Head of Lions Eye Bank Jakarta (LEBJ) and an ophthalmologist at JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics, emphasized the importance of seeking an eye examination when changes in vision first appear.

Through the collaboration between JEC and LEBJ, the program aims not only to expand access to cataract treatment but also to encourage greater awareness of the importance of maintaining eye health.

Gerakan Matahati is a humanitarian initiative focused on social eye health, founded by the late Pandji Wisaksana and formally established in 2008. Since its inception, the movement has brought together partners, donors, and medical professionals to help people who need treatment for vision problems.

To date, Gerakan Matahati has helped facilitate 27,500 free cataract surgeries. Meanwhile, JEC Group has performed more than 40,000 free cataract surgeries for people in need.

The free cataract surgery program for 101 patients continues these efforts to expand access to eye care while honoring the 101st anniversary of Pandji Wisaksana. The series of services is targeted for completion by December 2026.

Through the collaboration between JEC, LEBJ, Gerakan Matahati, and Lions Club Indonesia, the initiative aims to deliver meaningful benefits to communities and reinforce awareness of the importance of appropriate cataract screening and treatment.

JEC encourages the public not to ignore changes in vision and to seek an eye examination when symptoms arise. Timely assessment helps doctors determine the most appropriate care for each patient's condition.