After struggling with poor eyesight for several years, Grabouw resident Dora Daniels can finally see clearly again thanks to a life-changing healthcare initiative in Theewaterskloof.
“I struggled with poor eyesight for years and waited two long years for the cataract surgery,” said Daniels.
“Today, I am so happy I can finally see clearly!”
Daniels was one of 20 patients whose eyesight was restored through cataract surgeries at Eerste River Hospital during the healthcare outreach from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 September.
The provincial Department of Health and Wellness, alongside academic partners, brought essential medical services directly to residents in the region. The initiative, led by Stellenbosch University (SU) in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), delivered comprehensive care. Partners provided dental health services to about 200 patients, including extractions, cleanings, fillings, and screenings, while local children received eye screening and spectacles.
Undergraduate students from SU joined Right to Care community health workers on home visits to 14 elderly residents of Knoflokskraal in Elgin Valley, with Al-Imdaad Foundation providing food parcels. SU engineering students and staff also contributed support at Caledon Hospital, repairing lighting and equipment, including two blood-pressure monitors and a theatre bed, while addressing other maintenance issues.
“We’re so happy to just make a difference here. It’s also the first time for the students to experience working inside a hospital,”
said Peter Conradie, an engineering employee at SU.
Ten regional doctors received ultrasound training, while additional activities included clinicians-as-teachers training, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship training, and emergency care simulation in clinical settings.
“This event demonstrates what can be achieved when government, academia, and civil society work together,” said Dr Trevor Pillay, Theewaterskloof subdistrict medical manager.
Dr Therese Fish, vice-dean of Clinical Services and Social Impact for SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences added: “We are grateful to the health and wellness department, our partners, and the communities of Theewaterskloof, as this initiative embodies a critical component of our university’s vision – to serve society.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.