A Review of the Impact of a Subsidised Cataract Surgery Caravan on Visual Acuity and Economic Productivity Among Elderly Farmers in Mali's Sikasso Region

Cataract-induced blindness is a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting elderly rural populations. In Mali's Sikasso Region, where subsistence farming is common, visual impairment severely undermines livelihoods and economic security. This review aims to synthesise and evaluate the reported impact of a subsidised cataract surgery caravan on postoperative visual acuity and the subsequent economic productivity of elderly farmers in the Sikasso Region. A systematic literature review was conducted. Peer-reviewed journals, grey literature, and programme reports were identified through electronic databases and manual searches. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on the caravan's intervention in Sikasso. Data were extracted and analysed thematically. The review found consistent evidence of substantial improvement in visual acuity post-surgery, with one key study reporting over 85% of patients achieving good surgical outcomes. A prominent theme was the reported positive impact on economic productivity, including increased capacity for farm work and reduced dependency. However, evidence on long-term sustainability and detailed economic metrics was limited. The subsidised caravan model was effective in restoring sight and appears to have facilitated improved economic engagement among elderly farmers in the short term. It represents a pertinent intervention for addressing cataract blindness in resource-limited, agricultural settings. Future programmes should integrate robust, long-term follow-up systems to track sustained visual and economic outcomes. Economic impact assessments should employ standardised metrics. Strengthening linkages with local health systems is recommended to enhance programme sustainability and coverage. cataract surgery, visual acuity, economic productivity, elderly, farmers, Mali, subsidised healthcare, mobile health unit, public health intervention This review consolidates existing evidence on a specific mobile health intervention, highlighting its dual outcomes for health and livelihoods while identifying critical evidence gaps for future research and programme design.