Over 1,500 Quintana Roo Residents to Regain Sight Through Free Cataract Surgery Campaign

Cancún, Quintana Roo — More than 1,500 residents of Quintana Roo will regain their vision through free cataract surgery campaigns organized by state authorities in partnership with health institutions and international organizations.

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa and Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the DIF Quintana Roo system, toured the Hospital General Jesús Kumate Rodríguez to supervise the fourth round of cataract surgeries for 2026. The public health initiative aims to restore vision and improve quality of life for patients from nine municipalities across the state.

The current campaign targets 450 surgical procedures, with 346 patients already treated as officials work toward the goal of benefiting over 1,500 people through four scheduled rounds this year.

Collaborative Health Initiative

The program results from collaboration between DIF Quintana Roo, the Quintana Roo Health Department, IMSS-Bienestar, municipal DIF offices, and the Swiss Foundation Against Blindness in Mexico, an organization with years of experience in visual health projects across the country.

The primary objective is to guarantee access to ophthalmological treatments for priority populations, particularly elderly adults who lack resources to pay for specialized surgery.

Cataracts represent one of the leading causes of vision loss in Mexico, but also one of the conditions that can be corrected through relatively quick and safe surgical procedures.

High Success Rate Procedures

During the hospital visit, Governor Lezama Espinosa noted that these medical interventions are outpatient procedures, meaning patients can return home the same day.

In many cases, visual recovery exceeds 90%, allowing people to regain independence, security, and mobility. According to data shared during the campaign, approximately 70% of beneficiaries are elderly adults, who typically suffer most from this ocular condition.

Patient Stories

During the tour, Governor Lezama Espinosa greeted patients who had just left the operating room and listened to their stories.

Among them was Mauro Ismael, a 16-year-old from Cancún who has childhood cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The patient underwent surgery on his right eye on Tuesday, March 15, and subsequently on his left eye during this campaign.

Medical staff also treated Maité Cen, a 17-year-old student from CBTIS in Leona Vicario, who received specialized care to improve her visual health.

Government Commitment to Healthcare Access

While supervising the program, the governor reiterated that healthcare access remains a priority for her administration.

“In this humanist government with a feminist heart, the health of Quintana Roo residents is a right, not a privilege,” she stated.

She added that authorities work daily to ensure no one gets left behind, particularly those facing greater economic or social difficulties accessing specialized medical services.

Collaborative Effort for Visual Health

Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the DIF Quintana Roo system, emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions and medical specialists.

She explained that participation from the Swiss Foundation Against Blindness in Mexico has been crucial for conducting these campaigns and transforming hundreds of lives across the state.

“We will continue bringing quality health services with a human and supportive focus, contributing to building a fairer state where people’s wellbeing is a priority,” she said.