Brazil's SUS expands ophthalmology surgeries to 4.9 million by 2025

The public health system (SUS) in Brazil increased the number of ophthalmologic procedures performed from 3 million in 2022 to an expected 4.9 million in 2025, a rise of 62.3%. The expansion is part of the "Agora Tem Especialistas" initiative led by Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, targeting cataract, retinal and glaucoma surgeries to reduce vision loss, especially among the elderly.

All five regions received additional capacity. In 2025 São Paulo is projected to carry out 561 k surgeries, Minas Gerais 284 k, Rio de Janeiro 204 k; in the South, Santa Catarina 147 k, Paraná 169 k, Rio Grande do Sul 125 k; the Northeast sees Bahia at 184 k, Pernambuco 171 k, Ceará 67 k; Central‑West and North also report sizable growth. Mobile units, tele‑health and enhanced transport are among the measures supporting faster access and reduced wait times.