Free cataract surgery programs are helping older adults in Tijuana and across Baja California see clearly again. The state government reports that 4,400 older adults have received free cataract surgery under the current administration, El Imparcial reported. In Tijuana, a local program aims to perform more than 300 surgeries this year.
Tijuana’s program
The Jurisdicción de Servicios de Salud Tijuana (JSST) restarted its free cataract surgery program in January 2026. In the first three months it performed 167 surgeries and 186 first-time evaluations, Uniradio Informa reported. Surgeries are done in partnership with Fundación Lux. In the procedure, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.
Earlier reporting on the program listed these requirements:
- Age 60 or older
- A chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity or high triglycerides
- No coverage from another public health institution
How to apply: In Tijuana, Tecate and Playas de Rosarito, call (664) 638 6759.
State and national efforts
The state program works alongside the national Ver por México strategy, which recently added 200 surgeries in Baja California. People can register for the national program at cataratas.atdt.gob.mx. Nationwide, IMSS says cataract surgery is one of the most requested procedures in its 2026 surgical marathons, which have added more than 16,000 operations.
Why it matters
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Surgery is quick and usually very effective, but cost keeps many people from getting it. Free programs restore independence, reduce fall risk and help people keep working and caring for family.
Resumen en español
En Baja California, 4,400 adultos mayores han recibido cirugía gratuita de cataratas durante la actual administración estatal. En Tijuana, la Jurisdicción de Servicios de Salud realizó 167 cirugías en el primer trimestre de 2026 en alianza con Fundación Lux, con la meta de superar 300 este año. Los interesados en Tijuana, Tecate y Rosarito pueden llamar al (664) 638 6759, o registrarse en el programa nacional Ver por México en cataratas.atdt.gob.mx.
Sources: Uniradio Informa, 2026; El Imparcial, January 4, 2026; La Crónica, October 7, 2026.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Program requirements may change; confirm by phone before applying.
