One of the first medical references for the condition comes from Ancient Rome where they call it ‘cataracta’; Literally meaning waterfall. For a long time the clouding in the eye that cataracts creates was referred to as cascading water. Ancient Persian physicians referred to the condition as ‘Naul-i-ah’ meaning descent of water. Cataracts are the main cause of sight loss in third world countries, that is why the eye camps BCT set up are so precious, they either help people treat their cataracts, or diagnose it early so the blindness never occurs. There have been reports of patients gaining their sight back after more than 40 years of blindness.

For £40 you can provide a cataract patient with the gift of sight.