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Cataract surgery has virtually eliminated cataract blindness in the developed world. However, in the economically developing areas of the world it is a staggering and escalating problem where it is the leading cause of blindness affecting 16-20 million people. Outcomes research has clearly shown that modern cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective means of restoring visual function and improving vision-related quality of life. Several recent developments provide hope in the global fight against cataract blindness: decrease in the cost of modern surgery; available models of infrastructure development; and a global plan for the elimination of avoidable blindness.

As individual health professionals and institutions struggle to address health disparities worldwide, it becomes increasingly apparent that the answers are exceedingly complex and require a complete change in thinking, orientation, and behavior that includes ourselves. This paper is about a personal journey of learning about leadership that reveals widely shared false assumptions that have led many off course in addressing the challenges in the fight against blindness as well as other public health concerns.