WATCH: Gift of sight for Durban cataract patients
Patients are receiving the gift of sight at McCords Hospital in Durban.
THE gift of sight is often taken for granted, but for a person who has lost this ability they know how how important it is. The McCord provincial hospital in partnership with the International Islamic Relief Organisation of Saudi Arabia Southern Africa (IIROSA) is hosting a free eye cataract surgery where 125 patients are expected to receive treatment.
Almost 200 patients have already received treatment since the camp began in January. It is estimated that about 900 000 people in South Africa are affected by cataracts which are quite common among people over 60. However, for 38 year old Elaine Pillay, who discovered that she had cataracts at age 21, the surgery to restore her sight will help her in applying for a driver’s license.
Daphne Potgieter said she will finally be able to cook without experiencing any problems.
Sipho Shangase said he cannot wait to get back to his favorite hobby which is to read the newspaper.
Sundree Nagaser said she is very happy that she will regain her eye sight.
The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Zodwa Mbatha said the campaign will help reduce the number of people on the waiting list and will also benefit those who cannot afford to go to private hospitals.
