A ray of sunshine shone for people having eyesight difficulties, after compassionate doctors performed cataract surgery at East London Day Hospital free of charge.
The much-needed surgery performed by four ophthalmologists, Dr Andrew Boliter, Dr Steven Cook, Dr Erika Kleynhans and Dr Merrick Bryans, will run throughout October as part of an eye-awareness campaign.
According to hospital manager Jo-Anne Hulley, the operation usually costs aboutR16,500 for each eye.
On Wednesday, 12 patients left the hospital with a smile on their faces, after having successful surgery.
They were selected from a list of patients who need the procedure but cannot afford it.
Those who are critical are attended to first.
Hulley said the initiative had been running for more than five years.
“We identify patients that are in need of cataract surgery and we perform these surgeries for free.
“We particularly celebrate it during October because it is an eye-awareness month, but we consistently do patients throughout the year,” she said.
She said one of the rewards was seeing patients having lost hope leave the hospital with a smile and ready to face the world again.
“It’s immensely rewarding for us, it impacts so much on people’s lives.
“Some of the patients can’t see and just a simple cataract surgery can give them sight in that eye again.
“Some of them are really battling to do day-to-day activities and they are now able to re-enter in their lives again, so for us it is rewarding to be able to help people in our community and help them live a normal life,” she said.
Jennifer Heath, 64, said the life-changing surgery brought back hope.
“Without eyesight you can’t do anything, it’s more important even than hearing because you can see the beauty of life.
“The doctors wouldn’t even suggest the correct glasses because my eyesight was deteriorating.”
Heath said she was looking forward to facing life again.
“I am feeling fantastic before and after [surgery], we are really looked after.
“Before the surgery, I wasn’t sure that I’d gain my eyesight back, but I am happy now.
“I was frightened initially but I would encourage people to do the procedure without having a second thought.”
Hails Edith, 75, said she had been asking for help from a public hospital in East London for four years.
Her latest appointment was scheduled for 2025, highlighting the lengthy waiting times faced by those in need of surgery.
“My children then decided to apply for the surgery [at the East London Day Hospital] and it was approved.
“I am very happy that the surgery was successful, you get anxious when you are going to theatre.
“My eyes are my treasure, being here was worth it,” she said.
Boliter, who was performing surgery when the Daily Dispatch visited, said as a doctor, helping people was what he was called to do.
“It’s my life’s work. We do this every year, it is a countrywide project during October to focus on initiatives that prevent blindness and we are always part of it.
Boliter said his duty as a doctor was to reignite hope.
“What drives and motivates us is to restore sight to people and we are in the private sector, so obviously people need money and medical aid to access our service.
“So this is one of many ways which we try to help people who may not afford these services,” he said.
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