The mystic and beauty of Tibet is well known the world over. However, less well known is the 7000 new cases of cataract per year, particularly among the children. Cataract can lead to blindness unless a simple cornea operation is performed. But Tibet has only the facilities to perform 3000 cornea operations per year, which means 4000 people would miss out and could lose their eyesight. Currently, there are about 380000 people with cataract awaiting treatment in Tibet. (According to 2003 survey)

The backlog of cataract operation mounts up yearly. Restoring the eyesight of the people of Tibet has therefore becomes a daunting task and challenge.

ACPPRC sent a team of doctors to Tibet in August 2003 for two weeks to carry out cataract operations. The team was joined by doctors from Taiwan and Beijing. As part of the Eyes on Tibet campaign to protect their eyes from the harmful UV rays, the delegation distributed UV sunglasses particularly to the children.