New treatment: lower risk, lower cost

The method Dr Dennis Lam invented for Project Vision is called "suture-less large incision manual cataract extraction". While it sounds daunting, it is the easiest for doctors struggling with newly-acquired skills. Dr Lam says his method avoids the need for super-expensive, state-of-the-art instruments that most cataract surgeons in the West have come to rely on.

Sutures also increase recovery time and introduce the possibility of infection and discomfort. They also mean more follow-up costs - sutures have to be removed post-operatively - which rural patients are very reluctant to incur.

And as compared to a "small incision", a "large incision" is easier to do and lowers the risk of failure to almost zero.