Protecting Vision in the Face of Mongolia’s Diabetes Crisis
A silent epidemic threatening sight
In Mongolia, more people than ever are living with diabetes. Today, about one in ten Mongolian adults has the disease, and the number continues to grow every year. Behind these statistics are families, neighbours, and friends whose lives are being quietly changed by this condition.
One of the most devastating, yet preventable, complications of diabetes is vision loss. High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. These eye diseases often develop without any pain or early warning signs. By the time vision becomes blurry, the damage may already be severe and irreversible.
Why early action matters
The good news is that most diabetes-related blindness can be prevented through early detection and timely treatment. This means that people living with diabetes need to have their eyes examined every year, even if their vision feels normal. When changes are caught early, treatment such as laser therapy or injections can stop the disease from progressing.
Unfortunately, in Mongolia, many people with diabetes do not receive regular eye screenings. This is especially true in rural provinces, where there are few eye specialists and where traveling to a hospital may require long journeys over difficult terrain. For many, the first time they see an eye doctor is when their vision is already failing.
How Laurel Surgical Foundation is making a difference
At Laurel Surgical Foundation (LSF), we believe that no one should lose their sight simply because of where they live. Over the years, our team has worked side-by-side with Mongolian doctors to build lasting solutions for diabetic eye care. We have trained local ophthalmologists in advanced techniques to treat diabetic eye disease, ensuring that these skills remain in Mongolia and benefit patients for years to come.
We have also provided essential equipment such as fluorescein angiography machines, which allow doctors to detect diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stages, and a vitrectomy machine to treat complications of diabetic retinopathy. These tools have transformed the way diabetic eye disease is diagnosed and treated.
Our outreach work has brought eye care directly to the provinces, so patients no longer need to travel hundreds of kilometers to Ulaanbaatar for help. By working in partnership with local hospitals and the Ministry of Health in Mongolia, we make sure that more people are diagnosed earlier, treated sooner, and given the best possible chance to keep their vision.
You can help save sight
Every early diagnosis is a chance to protect a person’s future. With your support, we can reach more patients, train more doctors, and stop preventable blindness in Mongolia. If you have diabetes, schedule an eye exam every year—even if your vision feels perfect. If you love someone with diabetes, encourage them to do the same. And if you want to make a difference, please consider making a donation.
Together, we can turn the tide against diabetes-related blindness and give more people in Mongolia the gift of clear vision for a lifetime.