Economic value of cataract interventions for inclusive development: A societal impact standpoint

Abstract

This study examines the economic value of cataract interventions by the Noor Dubai Foundation (NDF) on inclusive development in Katsina state. A 5-point Likert scale instrument and a multistage random selection technique were employed to draw a sample of 300 beneficiaries. The outcome shows that an important societal economic value was derived from the cataract interventions. Beneficiaries’ monthly purchasing power has surged from as low as $11.3 to $113.4, thereby lifting 79% of the eye care beneficiaries from the United Nations poverty line index. Thus, the societal benefits can be visualized in terms of reduced economic vulnerability of visually impaired persons, enhanced social inclusiveness, and improved quality of life.