India, Nov. 21 -- With cataract remaining the leading cause of blindness in India, the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida has begun offering free cataract treatment - including investigations, medicines and surgery - to ease the financial burden on patients, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, officials said on Thursday.

GIMS director Dr (Brig.) Rakesh Gupta, said, "We have made cataract care completely free at GIMS Greater Noida. The institute will not charge for diagnostic tests, medicines or the surgical procedure. The decision is intended to expand access to timely care and prevent avoidable blindness."

Dr Gupta said special efforts were being made to ensure quality treatment at no ...