A Milestone Moment: The IRIS Program Celebrates Its 800th Cataract Surgery
At Vanguard Health, we believe that access to quality healthcare should never depend on where you live. That’s why we’re so proud to share a special milestone — the IRIS Program has just completed its 800th cataract surgery.
And at the heart of this milestone is Margaret — our 800th patient.
Meet Margaret
Margaret was born in Barunga and raised in Beswick, two close-knit communities in the Northern Territory. A beloved member of her community, Margaret spent many years working as a chef at the aged care facility in Beswick, where she was well known for cooking up her famous chicken dishes for the residents.
Now living in an assisted care facility in Katherine, Margaret's vision had been steadily deteriorating, making everyday life — and the things she loved — more difficult. But thanks to the IRIS Program, that’s about to change.
Bringing Care Closer to Home
The IRIS Program worked closely with Margaret’s care provider to ensure she could receive her sight-saving cataract surgery locally in Katherine — without the stress and disruption of travelling far from home.
This collaboration reflects what the IRIS Program is all about: breaking down barriers to healthcare and ensuring people in regional and remote communities can access life-changing treatment.
Looking Ahead
For Margaret, regaining her sight means much more than improved vision. It means reconnecting with her community, her culture, and the moments that matter most. She’s already looking forward to attending the Barunga Festival in June — an event that celebrates music, culture, and community spirit.
A Milestone Built on Community
While 800 cataract surgeries is a remarkable achievement, it’s the stories behind the numbers — like Margaret’s — that remind us why the IRIS Program exists. It’s about restoring not just sight, but independence, dignity, and connection.
We’re incredibly proud of our dedicated teams, partners, and the communities we serve. Together, we look forward to bringing sight-saving care to even more people, closer to home.
Congratulations to Margaret — and to every IRIS patient — for being part of this important journey.
