A dedicated police sergeant who helps those affected by social crime, needs your help this time.
Sergeant Makoma Nurse Tshwale who has served in the Norwood SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit since 2009, requires R30 000 for corneal transplant surgery.
Sharing her story, Tshwale said she wasn’t born with visual imparity.
“The problem started in 2016 with a headache. I used to only wear glasses to view the computer so I thought maybe the glasses were worn out,” she said.
“I, however, went to an optometrist who fixed the glasses for me but the headache still continued and my left eye started giving problems. It always felt like there was something inside the eye that I could take out.”
Tshwale added that she went back to the optometrist and asked for a thorough check-up. The optometrist then referred her to an eye doctor where she received a medical check-up and treatment. Her left eye, however, did not improve and she eventually completely lost her sight in that eye. Towards 2018, she also began to lose her sight in her right eye.
“At first it came as a shock as I had to adjust to everything. It was a bit difficult the first two months, but the support I get from home and work made it easier. I told myself that the situation was beyond me even if I sit and feel sorry for myself, it wouldn’t change.
“I decided to stand up and take control of my life. Most of my job includes talking and the eyesight is not a stumbling block. The same advice that I give to people, I use it for myself.”
A couple of eye doctors diagnosed that Tshwale needed corneal transplant surgery and the cost to restore slight vision to her was R30 000.
Tshwale said she could only see light and motion. “But I can’t see in detail. If I wave my hand in front of me, I do see the movement but I can’t tell if it’s a fist or palm. In my office, I use my phone which my fingers know very well so I know which numbers to dial. It is when I need to write that I will call someone to come in and assist.”
With her medical aid unable to cover the surgery costs due to policy-related reasons, Tshwale approached the Norwood CPF who in turn brought her story to the attention of Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“I believe some hearts can be touched and if several people can help in any way, if they are able to, it will come together as one big gift in the end. In as much as doctors have said they can’t do much for the left eye, as there’s no longer blood flow, I hold on to the hope that the right one can be treated.”
Details: To reach out and help, contact Norwood CPF Chairperson at chair@ncpf.co.za ; 072 231 9611
Sergeant Makoma Nurse Tshwale makomanurse@gmail.com or 084 298 6114
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/261180/towards-a-better-vision/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/219383/young-woman-craighall-park-given-opportunity-see/
