Center For Sight is accepting applications for free cataract surgeries through Mission Cataract, an annual event in which the practice performs 100 free surgeries for individuals who have no health insurance or other means to pay for surgery.

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and develop slowly, causing cloudy vision, loss of color perception and trouble reading or driving at night. Surgery is performed to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant, or IOL, offering patients the ability to regain the vision of their youth. Potential Mission Cataract patients are encouraged to download an application here or call (941) 480-2143 for application information. The submission deadline is May 14, 2021. Surgery dates are Aug. 11 and Aug. 18 at Center For Sight’s AAAHC-accredited surgery center in Sarasota.

To qualify for treatment through Mission Cataract, potential patients:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or resident alien (green card)
• Cannot have insurance or be enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid
• Must be living at or below the poverty guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services