Summary: Vision of Justice celebrates its first anniversary after completing 10 free cataract surgeries for uninsured Michigan residents who were legally blind.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2026

Southfield, MI

Vision of Justice Marks One-Year Milestone: 10 Free Cataract Surgeries Completed for Michigan’s Uninsured

Southfield, MI – Vision of Justice, a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring sight through free cataract surgeries, is celebrating its first anniversary with a major milestone: 10 free, life-changing surgeries completed for uninsured Michiganders who were legally blind due to cataracts.

Founded by Attorney Jason Waechter, Vision of Justice was created to address a critical but often overlooked healthcare gap: individuals who remain blind simply because they cannot afford cataract surgery. In just one year, the organization has already begun transforming lives across Metro Detroit and beyond.

“This past year has confirmed everything we hoped this organization could be,” said Waechter. “People are getting their independence, dignity, and quality of life back. And yet, the need is still enormous. We’ve made progress, but there is so much more work to do.”

In their first year, Vision of Justice received a grant from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation’s Operation Sight Grant Program, which supports organizations and medical practices providing charitable cataract care. This funding directly supports Vision of Justice’s mission to expand access to sight-restoring surgery for uninsured patients.

Waechter launched Vision of Justice following a historic $27.5 million jury verdict in a Michigan motorcycle accident injury case, using the moment as an opportunity to create meaningful, long-term impact. To bring the mission to life, he partnered with longtime friend and St. Hugo’s grade school classmate, Dr. Walter “Wally” Cukrowski, one of Michigan’s leading eye surgeons and an owner of the Michigan Eyecare Institute.

“Dr. Wally and his entire team are essentially doing this work pro bono,” Waechter emphasized. “Without their generosity, skill, and surgical center, none of this would be possible. They are truly the heroes of this story.”

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, are the leading cause of blindness worldwide and affect more than 20.5 million Americans aged 40 and older. The condition is treatable through a relatively quick 10–20-minute surgical procedure, but cost remains a significant barrier for many uninsured individuals.

Vision of Justice plans to continue hosting surgical events. To qualify for free cataract surgery, applicants must be legally blind in both eyes due to cataracts, experiencing financial hardship, and be residents of Michigan.

For more information or to apply for surgery please visit www.visionofjustice.com.