This year’s programme is being held across five hospitals in North Sumatra, targeting 1,400 eyes. A total of 17 sessions are scheduled, starting at Bhayangkara Hospital Batang Toru (September, 26th–28th and October, 3rd–5th ), RSUD Pandan (October, 17th –19th ), RSUD Sipirok (October, 24th-26th), Siantar Eye Hospital (November, 21st–23rd), and concluding at Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital Medan (November, 29th–30th).

General Manager Operations & Deputy Director Operations of Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, affirmed that the free cataract surgery programme is a tangible contribution of the company. “Through cataract surgery, we want to help people regain their sight so they can become more productive and independent, while also creating positive impacts for their families and communities. This health programme, which we have run since 2011, and it forms an integral part of the company’s sustainability strategy,” he explained.

From 2011 to 2024, the annual programme has restored vision to 12,173 eyes from 10,684 patients, with ages ranging from just 8 months to 108 years. This year, Agincourt Resources is once again partnering with Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital Medan, a long-standing institution experienced in cataract surgery since 2005.

Beyond surgery, the company also held an Eye Health Information Week at Sopo Daganak, Batang Toru, on August, 22nd – 2025. Healthcare workers and Posyandu cadres were trained to conduct early cataract detection and provide preventive education within their communities. “We are striving for a holistic approach to community eye health, from awareness-raising to medical intervention, to ensure lasting benefits through equipping frontline health workers,” said Senior Manager Community, Christine Pepah.

For patients, cataract surgery is not only about regaining vision but also about reclaiming their independence and hope. Umar Siregar, a resident of Padangsidimpuan, had lost his sight for 15 years due to cataracts. After undergoing free surgery in Batang Toru in 2024, Umar was able to live independently again even riding his motorcycle. “It was truly extraordinary. For 15 years I lost so much, but thanks to this programme I feel as though I have been given a new life. I am very grateful to Agincourt Resources because this free cataract surgery has restored both my vision and my spirit,” he said.

This programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. For Agincourt Resources, the free cataract surgery is more than just a health initiative—it is a clear demonstration that sustainability is not only about responsible mining, but also about delivering direct and meaningful benefits to communities.

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The program will consist of 17 surgical sessions, starting at Bhayangkara Hospital Batang Toru from September 26–28 and October 3–5, followed by Pandan General Hospital (October 17–19), Sipirok General Hospital (October 24–26), Siantar Eye Hospital (November 21–23), and concluding at Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital in Medan (November 29–30).

The General Manager of Operations & Deputy Director of Operations of PT Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, stated that the free cataract surgery program is a tangible contribution from the Company to improve the quality of life for underprivileged communities, especially those with limited access to cataract surgery.

“Through the cataract surgeries, we aim to help people regain their eyesight so they can become more productive and independent, while also creating a positive impact for their families and surrounding communities. This community health program, which we have been conducting since 2011, is an integral part of the company’s sustainability strategy,” he said.

This cataract surgery program is aligned with the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people at all ages.

Since it was first held in 2011 through 2024, this annual program has performed cataract surgeries on 12,173 eyes belonging to 10,684 patients. The youngest patient was 8 months old, while the oldest was 108 years old, coming from various regions across North Sumatra, including South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, Sibolga, North Tapanuli, North Padang Lawas, Padang Lawas, Mandailing Natal, Pematangsiantar, Deli Serdang, Medan, and Nias.

Christine Pepah, Senior Manager of Community of PT Agincourt Resources, added that this year PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) is once again partnering with Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital in Medan, which has been experienced in performing cataract surgeries since 2005.

In addition to the surgeries, PTAR held Eye Health Information Week at Sopo Daganak, Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, on August 22, 2025. During the event, healthcare workers and Posyandu volunteers received practical training on early cataract detection as well as educational guidance on prevention in their respective areas.

“We strive to promote comprehensive eye health for the community, from awareness campaigns to medical treatment, so that the benefits are sustainable for frontline healthcare providers through Eye Health Information Week,” said Christine.

During the Eye Health Information Week, the Director of Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital in Medan, Dr. Syarifuddin A., Sp.M, explained that cataracts are usually characterized by several symptoms, including blurred vision, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, difficulty seeing clearly at night, and the appearance of halos around light sources.

”Occupations that are frequently exposed to sunlight also increase the risk of cataracts. Patients usually also experience faded colors and double vision,” he explained.

For the cataract procedures, the team will employ the Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) technique, which involves a 5–7 millimeter incision on the side of the eyeball and generally requires fewer sutures.

”The duration of the procedure is relatively short, taking about 10 to 15 minutes. The recovery period is generally around 1 month,” said Dr. Syarifuddin.

Umar Siregar, a resident of Silandit Village, Padangsidimpuan, underwent cataract surgery at the Martabe Gold Mine. For 15 years, he suffered from cataracts, which severely limited his activities and required him to be guided by others when going outside.

In 2024, Umar underwent free cataract surgery sponsored by PTAR in Batang Toru. After his eyes return to normal, he can do activities independently, even ride a motorcycle.

”It is absolutely amazing. For 15 years, I lost a lot, but thanks to this program, I feel like I’ve gained a new life. I am very grateful to Agincourt Resources because this free cataract surgery program has truly restored my spirit and quality of life,” said Umar.

Not only restoring eyesight, Umar’s story is proof that PTAR’s free cataract surgery program can also bring back hope and independence to people’s lives.

THE END

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