Free cataract surgeries bring hope to patients on government waiting list
Transforming lives
Dr Leraj Lekha, anaesthetist, third from left, Dr Bhavna Jugadoe, ophthalmologist, fourth from left, and the theatre team with one of the patients, Angamah Govender, 78, recovering after the cataract surgery.
Image: Supplied
IN AN INITIATIVE to mark World Sight Day, a group of medical professionals recently came together to perform free cataract surgery for five patients from the government waiting list.
The surgery, performed at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital, not only provided immediate medical relief but also rekindled hope and joy among those who had long awaited this opportunity.
Among the beneficiaries of this initiative was a 93-year-old woman, who was ecstatic to see the bright blue colour of her great grand-children’s school uniform the next morning.
"A cataract is when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy. It is caused by ageing, diabetes, medications such as steroids, eye injury and prolonged exposure to the suns UV-B light. Cataracts may cause difficulty focusing, colours that seem faded, glare, not being able to see well at night and frequent changes of prescription glasses," said ophthalmologist, Dr Bhavna Jugadoe.
"If the cataract makes it difficult for you to see well enough to carry on your daily activities, the cataract may need to be removed. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. During the operation the cloudy lens (cataract) is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. If the cataract is not removed, your vision will gradually get worse."
The medical endeavour was made possible thanks to a coalition of dedicated professionals and organisations, whose combined efforts turned a vision into reality. They included Dr Jugadoe, her husband, Dr Leraj Lekha, the anaesthetist, Niresh Bechan, the hospital manager, the theatre team, Into the Light Foundation, and sponsors.
Jugadoe said the initiative served as a testament to the power of community and compassion.
"This remarkable act not only highlights the urgent need to address cataract-related blindness but also reinforces our shared responsibility to ensure equal access to healthcare for all."
The cataract surgeries have been offered free every year since 2012.