The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries to accelerate efforts to ensure access to cataract surgery for millions of people.[1] A new study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that almost half of the world's people at risk of blindness from cataracts do not yet have access to surgery.[1] Cataracts affect more than 94 million people globally and cause clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision and blindness.[1] Cataract surgery is a simple 15-minute procedure that is one of the most effective and affordable interventions for preventing avoidable blindness.[1] Over the past two decades, global surgery coverage has increased by approximately 15%, although an aging population increases demand.[1] The latest models predict an 8.4% increase in coverage this decade, but progress must accelerate to meet the World Health Assembly's target of a 30% increase by 2030.[1] The African region has the largest gap, with three out of four people requiring surgery going untreated, and women are disproportionately affected in all regions.[1]