Giving the gift of sight

The Islamic Medical Association SA (Imasa) decided to give back more than just 67 minutes of their time this Nelson Mandela Day.

As part of the celebrations of what would have been the late former president’s 96th birthday, the Imasa Cataract Project – a non-profit organisation – booked more than 70 cataract operations. For many patients the gift of sight is the only gift they need.

Dr Shabbir Hussain, the Cataract Project coordinator and one of the doctors who will perform the operations at Leratong Hospital on 18, 19 and 20 July says they have decided to give back more to the community.

Each patient will receive a gift hamper that includes a toiletry bag, bath soap and towel, washing powder, a Holy Quran and eye drops.

Andries Molatudi, 66, says he can’t wait to see better.

“I am struggling with my sight, especially in the left eye and I hope to be able to see better again soon.”

Tryphina Khumalo, 47, says she wants to be able to see again. “If that happens I will be very happy!”

According to Wikipedia a cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, which leads to a decreased vision. It is the most common cause of blindness and conventionally is treated with surgery.

Loss of vision occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused onto the retina at the back of the eye.

Most commonly it is due to aging but there are many other causes. Over time, yellow-brown pigment is deposited in the lens and this, together with disruption of the lens fibers, reduces the transmission of light and leads to visual problems.

Those with cataracts often experience difficulty in appreciating colours and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognising faces and coping with glare from bright lights.

Nadeem Ahmed, Cataract Project manager says more than 3 000 cataract operations have been performed since the beginning of the project, which started in April 2005.