Unoperated cataract remains the leading cause of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment worldwide, affecting 94 million people globally. Addressing this urgent need requires a coordinated effort by everyone in the eye team to provide a patient-centred service, increase access to cataract surgery, and improve visual outcomes after surgery. A balanced approach to outcome, output, and outlay – as well as a focus on partnerships – is key, and this issue of the journal offers some helpful pointers and examples.