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Earlier this year, our team travelled to Goroka in Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands to document a local cataract program and meet Patrick, a 13-year-old undergoing surgery to restore his sight.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet treatment is straightforward, a short procedure that replaces the clouded lens of the eye with a clear one. For people living in remote areas, however, access to this care can be limited by distance, resources, and awareness.

At Goroka Eye Hospital, Patrick’s surgery was completed in less than an hour. The following day, his eye pads were removed and his vision was clear, a simple medical intervention with a profound result.

This World Sight Day, we’re recognising the importance of accessible eye health services and the teams working across the Pacific to deliver them.
Globally, 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, and 90 percent of it is preventable or treatable with timely care.

📷 Photography by Erin Johnson for

🎥 Filmed on location in Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

Over the past few weeks, the team has been filming across two of the most remote and culturally rich nations in the North Pacific—the Republic of the Marshall Islands 🇲🇭 (RMI) and the Federated States of Micronesia 🇫🇲 (FSM).

In the Marshall Islands, we encountered striking contrasts—breathtaking natural beauty alongside coastlines and infrastructure increasingly impacted by rising sea levels and repeated king tides. The effects of climate change are visible and constant. Yet, communities continue to adapt and respond with resilience and generosity.

From there, we travelled to Kosrae and Pohnpei—volcanic islands covered in dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, mangroves, and blue holes. A very different landscape and rhythm, yet equally rich in character and complexity.

The stories we captured across both countries reflect the spirit of people navigating change, holding onto tradition, and building their futures in unique and powerful ways.

We’re incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work in this extraordinary part of the North Pacific—and especially thankful to the local teams on the ground for their insight and support, as well as our Australian partners for the tireless work behind the scenes that helped bring it all together.

More soon.