In celebration of Eye Care Awareness Week 2011, the Port Elizabeth Eye and Laser Institute, in partnership with the PE Provincial hospital’s ophthalmology department, provided free cataract surgery to a select group of 24 individuals. The Institute’s resident ophthalmologists performed cataract procedures on Saturday, 8 October 2011 at the recently re-launched Medical Forum Theatre – the Eastern Cape’s only private day hospital.
Cataracts are the major cause of blindness in South Africa, affecting some 160 000 people. Due to the slow progression of cataract growth, the elderly are most affected by this eye condition which leads to hazy and blurry vision. Many are less fortunate and unable to have the necessary surgery to enable them to see their surroundings as you and I do. Many are also unaware of the opportunities for corrective surgery.
“Cataracts occur in varying degrees and forms and may be caused by a multitude of eye conditions, trauma and aging. There is no known prevention method, however proper eye care treatment will ensure the growth of a cataract is monitored and subsequently treated through surgery when it alters the patient’s standard of living,” said Elsabe Pretorius, Nursing Manager at the Medical Forum Theatre. During cataract surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The operation usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on how far the cataract has progressed.
This is the 13th year that the Eye and Laser Institute has taken part in this national project. “This is the first year where an entire day has been dedicated to this great cause and it is wonderful to know that we have helped so many people. The best part is when they return for their post-ops and they mention how much detail they have been missing,” said Pretorius.
The team of medical professionals at the Port Elizabeth Eye and Laser Institute set out to create a Centre of Excellence for vision and eye care and this annual project compliments this vision.
During the 2010 financial year, a total of 2770 surgical procedures were performed by the ophthalmology department at the PE Provincial hospital, of which 1309 were cataract operations. According to Dr Danie Louw of the ophthalmology department, a further 546 cataract operations were done on outreach projects to Grahamstown, Graaff-Reinet, Humansdorp, Somerset East and Uitenhage.
Alan Straton
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Gee, they donate 0,3% of their potential turnover – hardly earth-shattering!
Pensioner needs cataract surgery. He is an artist and make a living from real life drawings and he is unable to continue to provide for himself because of this disability.Please help and contact 0825850113 Natalie Wiid please.Thank you
My mum and I stay in Joburg and went blind in one eye last year. She first went to the St John where she was given a date to come back this year in August. We thought they would operate the eye but they gave her another date to come back next year in May to determine what the size of her eye is.
Please advise where she could go in order to get assistance as a matter of urgency. She loses steps and is difficult for her to do a lot of things but I can see she fights everyday in order not to depend on anyone. PLEASE HELP 083 458 9169
The husband of the lady that works for me needs cataract surgery. They, however, do not have the money to pay for such and operation and therefor depend on government resources to help them but to no avail. It is more than a year an a half now that he has been sent from pillar to post just to hear come next week, next month, next year and then the doctors would be able to help you. His condition has now deterioriated to such and extent that he cannot see anything. Where can this couple, with no other income than her salary as a domestic worker go for help. Their urgent need has urged me to try to help them.