Memphis, here’s a piece of news that will open your eyes…literally and figuratively. On Saturday, June 14, the Hamilton Eye Institute (HEI) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is stepping up in a life-changing way by hosting the eighth-annual Ivan Marais Cataract-A-Thon, providing free cataract surgeries to underserved patients across the Mid-South.
👓 Why This Matters
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, but they’re also one of the most treatable. The problem? Access. Surgery can be costly and inaccessible for many people who don’t have insurance or the financial resources to get help.
That’s where the Cataract-A-Thon shines. This annual event restores sight and restores hope.
“I was a med student during the first Cataract-A-Thon, and it’s been my dream to pay it forward. Now, I get to help my community in the most direct way possible.”
👨⚕️ What Is the Ivan Marais Cataract-A-Thon?
The Cataract-A-Thon is a one-day, high-impact event where HEI ophthalmology residents, local doctors, and medical teams volunteer their skills to perform free cataract surgeries for people in need.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 14
🕖 Time: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Location: Hamilton Eye Institute, 930 Madison Ave., Memphis
🎥 Media welcome!
Named in memory of Dr. Ivan Marais, a pioneering eye surgeon and beloved faculty member, the event has grown into a beacon of generosity and medical excellence in Memphis. Since its founding in 2017, more than 150 people have regained their sight through this initiative.
Last year alone? 24 surgeries totaling $72,000 in donated medical care. This year, another 20 patients are preselected to receive the gift of vision.
👏 Who’s Making It Happen?
The Cataract-A-Thon isn’t a solo operation. It’s a community collaboration, powered by:
HEI Lions Club
Church Health
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Rayner Eye Clinic
World Cataract Foundation
Corporate partners like Alcon, Imprimis, and Dutch Ophthalmic
And of course, the residents, surgeons, and volunteers who give their time and talent.
Special shoutout to Dr. Brian Fowler and Dr. Emily Taylor Graves, who’ve helped coordinate this event from the beginning and continue to expand its reach and impact.
🧡 Why This Is So Memphis
Memphis is a city built on community care. Neighbors helping neighbors, people stepping up for people. The Cataract-A-Thon is a perfect example of that ethos in action: not just talking about service, but delivering it in a way that transforms lives.
If you’re looking for a Memphis moment that reaffirms your faith in humanity, this is it.
📣 How You Can Get Involved
While this year’s surgery slots are already filled, you can still support and spread the love:
✅ Share this blog so others can learn about the Cataract-A-Thon
✅ Donate to organizations like the World Cataract Foundation and Church Health
✅ Support UT Health Science Center and Hamilton Eye Institute by following their work and advocating for healthcare access
✅ Volunteer your time, if you’re a medical professional or passionate about patient care
