ERWO
The Burden Of Blindness In Pakistan
Pakistan faces a critical and growing challenge in eye health. Millions suffer from conditions such as:
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Corneal diseases
• Congenital and hereditary disorders
• Trauma-related injuries
Specialised care is often unaffordable. Retinal surgeries can cost between Rs. 150,000–450,000, and required anti-VEGF injections add recurring expenses that are beyond the means of most families.
ERWO was created to bridge this gap..
It is the first and only retina-focused welfare NGO in Pakistan dedicated to providing free retinal treatment to financially vulnerable patients.
Social empowerment
Social Responsibility And Community Development
ERWO is committed to strengthening communities through:
• Equal employment opportunities for women
• Development of the local workforce
• Environmentally responsible operations, including the use of solar energy
• Subsidised medicines and eyeglasses
• Transport support for low-income patients
These initiatives promote long-term social and economic empowerment.
About ERWO
Our Foundation and Purpose
Elza Retina Welfare Organization was founded in 2017 by Dr Muhammad Mukhtar Ahmed, a pioneer of retinal surgery in Pakistan. With over five decades of service in ophthalmology, Dr Mukhtar witnessed the devastating consequences of untreated retinal conditions:
• Men and women losing their independence due to preventable blindness
• Elderly patients living in avoidable darkness
• Diabetic patients losing vision simply due to unaffordable injections
Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility, Dr Mukhtar transitioned from private practice to humanitarian service. He established ERWO with a mission that remains unwavering:
To provide world-class retinal and ophthalmic care, free for those who cannot afford it, and affordable for everyone else.
The organisation is named in honour of his wife, Elza, whose own visual challenges inspired this vision of compassion and service.