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Durban 7th
October 2009 -
Twenty four people receive gift of sight
Twenty four free cataract operations were performed at
Ethekwini Hospital & Heart Centre during World Sight
Week from 5th to 9th October.
Various charitable organisations provided transport and
support to the patients as well as sponsoring the lenses
required for the procedure. Ethekwini Hospital provided
the nursing staff and theatre facilities and three
ophthalmic surgeons performed the operations, free of
charge, to give the gift of clear sight back to indigent
patients.
The patients were selected from around KZN, where they
have been referred by government hospitals or clinics.
During the 30 minute procedure, the natural lens which
has become opaque is removed and replaced by an
artificial lens which allows the patient to see clearly
again. After the short operation, the patients enjoyed a
meal before being returned to their carers for the
journey home.
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55 year old, Nelson Reddy of Seaview was self employed
but had to give up his business when his vision
deteriorated. He has been on a government hospital
waiting list for two years. He received the call last
week that he had been chosen as one of the 25 patients
who would receive a free cataract operation at Ethekwini
Hospital. “I was over the moon when I got the call to
tell me that I have been selected for this surgery. Now
I will be able to get back to work and support my family
again.” he said.
After his surgery on Thursday, Mr Reddy returned to the
hospital the following day for a check up and to have
his dressing removed. “The care and treatment I’ve
received has been excellent. I feel really fortunate not
only to have this operation but to have it at such a
wonderful hospital.” He said.
Hospital Marketing Manager, Mariann Theron thanked the
charities and ophthalmologists for helping to make a
difference to so many lives, “Many of the patients who
are being treated are virtually housebound as a result
of poor sight.” She said. “Because of the efforts of
everyone involved this week, people who have become
entirely dependent on friends and relatives will now be
able to return to active life and see the faces of their
loved ones again.”
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