The "Sight First China Action" program has helped more than 30,000 cataract patients regain eyesight in southwest China's Guizhou Province, and training medical workers at grassroots level, said an official with the "Sight First China Action" program on Monday.

There are about 92,000 cataract patients in Guizhou province, with more than 9,000 cases diagnosed annually. Backward medical conditions and poverty are blamed for the high number of cases.

Since the second phase of the "Sight First China Action", implemented from July 1, 2002, 30,238 operations on cataract patients were completed by December, 2005.

"Sight First China Action", launched by the Chinese government and Lions Club International, aims to help cataract patients regain their eyesight. The program has two phases, each lasting five years.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2006)