An attempt to perform 500 cataract surgeries to improve the vision of patients within in a month in the Free State is going at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein.
The Universitas Academic Hospital’s Ophthalmology Clinic began performing these life-changing surgeries on Tuesday, 1 October, and will continue the marathon until 1 November.
These surgeries are a concerted effort to reduce the backlog of patients on the waiting list to have surgeries to remove cataract, which is the leading cause of blindness globally.
Prof. Wayne Marais, head of the department of ophthalmology, is leading the team ophthalmologists (eye surgeons), to restore eyesight of patients qualifying. He said the plan is to perform at least 30 surgeries a day to reach the target of 500.
“Surgeries are free as most of the patients cannot afford the costs at private facilities to perform cataract, which takes just a few minutes and can change a patient’s life. The 30 surgeries a day will equate to 120 a week. Cataract affects any person, irrespective of age,” said Marais.
He said because cases of patients differ, the team prioritises surgeries. Marais said the ophthalmologists had embarked on blitz surgeries at facilities at of the provincial Department of Health, to reduce the backlog of patients needing cataract operation.
“We go quarterly to various facilities in the province for cataract operations,” said Marais.
The nursing staff at National Hospital with two patients who had successful cataract surgeries.
Matron Wendy Mashifane, operational manager at the Universitas Academic Hospital, said the facility was fully-booked for the 2024 cataract surgery marathon campaign.
“Following last year’s successful cataract surgery marathon, we are hoping that everything will run smoothly.” said Mashifane.
Four patients of the first group who had surgeries performed on Tuesday, attest to immediate impact of surgeries and were overjoyed that they could see again. They are Motshidisi Mphasi (61) from Excelsior, Tlaleng Dipholo (84) from Senekal, Anna Qaka (60) and Madineo Motlokwa (77) from Qwaqwa.
“I’m very happy to be able to see again after several years of my struggle with poor vision. I will not be a burden to any person anymore,” said Mphasi.
