Description of Innovation

Cataracts are the second leading cause of vision impairment in Mexico, causing 50% of blindness cases. The aging of the Mexican population and increasing incidence of diabetes will lead to increases in cataracts and other vision impairments. Many Mexicans are unable to afford cataract surgery at private, more expensive hospitals and there is a large backlog of patients waiting for surgery.

By replicating many of the principles from Aravind Eye Care (India), salaUno has increased clinic efficiency through specialization, cost-effective surgery techniques, economies of scale, outreach campaigns, a right-skilled workforce, time-driven activity-based costing, and tiered pricing. Hub-and-spoke model reaches patients at all levels of care.

salaUno can provide cataract surgery at one-third to one-half the cost of competitors and the pilot clinic hit positive cash flow status within the second month of operation. salaUno plans to expand to 10 clinics in 2015

 

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