Double cornea transplant improves young girl’s life
Dr Ebrahim Mia from Bedfordview has given Lefa Rapanyane the gift of sight.
Bedfordview resident and ophthalmologist Dr Ebrahim Mia did a life-changing double cornea transplant recently, and finds reward in changing the lives of those who really need it.
The double cornea transplant was done in Midrand on nine-year-old Lefa Rapanyane, who suffered from opaque corneas which left her blind.
“Her corneas were opaque, her eyes became white and hazy and left her blind. If we did not do the cornea transplant she would have been dependent her entire life,” said Mia.
Mia said her family could not afford the surgery and he was happy to get on board and give her this life-changing operation.
The left cornea was done on October 30, 2018, and the right cornea in May this year.
Mia said the surgery was pro bono and took 45 minutes to an hour.
He said he is always prepared for every surgery, but there were a few challenges along the way.
Mia said funding can be challenging, along with sourcing corneas and the availability of corneas.
With sponsorship from the Netcare Foundation, Mia said the surgery would’ve cost the family R30 000.
“There is a culture where people do not donate organs, due to infection. We were looking for potential donors until we eventually imported the corneas from overseas,” said Mia.
He said Lefa will take nine months to fully recover from the surgery and thereafter will use glasses or contact lenses.
“I always wanted to be a doctor and work with eyes. I feel that sight is the most valuable sense,” said Mia.
“The ability to improve a patient’s quality of life is the greatest reward,” said Mia.
For the future, Mia is looking forward to Eye Week, where he will do voluntary operations and eye work on many patients who cannot afford it.
He will also be attending a medical conference in Lisbon soon.
“I love that there are changes in medical technology, it keeps me on my toes and keeps my patients informed,” said Mia.
John Rapanyane, Lefa’s father, cannot thank Mia enough for the gift he has given his daughter.
“He has done such a great job with my daughter. I really could not thank him enough for everything he has done,” said Rapanyane.
Mia also provided a tip for damaging or harming your eyes.
“Do not put your hands or your fingers in your eyes. That is how infection spreads,” said Mia.
