Cutting out cataract blindness
Edwin Tshivhidzo
14 October 2004
Ten ophthalmologists are working around the clock to give underprivileged South Africans their sight back during a "Fight-4-Sight" marathon surgical removal of cataracts.
Ten of South Africa's top ophthalmologists began performing the surgical procedures at the Pretoria East Hospital at midnight on Wednesday. They will work in six-hourly shifts through to midnight on Thursday, and expect to operate on at least 200 people.
The patients will have their bandages removed on Friday.
A cataract is a protein growth over the lens of the eye which blocks out or scatters incoming light.
Participating ophthalmologist Dr Johan Van den Berg said that more than half of South Africans older than 65 developed cataracts, and that around 160 000 South Africans were blind as a result. "This is tragic if one considers that by far the majority of cataracts can be successfully removed", he said.
Fight-4-Sight is a joint initiative of the Primary
Eyecare Clinic, Ophthalmicare and private health care provider Netcare.
Netcare Hospital Division CEO Hector Mackay said the initiative was an example of how the private sector, public sector and civil society could work together to make a "real difference" to society.
He said the project would be extended to other parts of the country through other Netcare hospitals in 2005.
The campaigners have set up a fundraising account for their project. Donations can be deposited into the Nedbank Videre Trust bank account number 145 405 469, branch code 14 54 05. All deposits should be referenced as Fight-4-Sight-Project.
Source: BuaNews
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