Patients thrilled to have sight restored

GRATEFUL patients had their sight restored through free cataract operations at Life Entabeni Hospital last week.

This is an annual event to commemorate World Sight Day, where patients are chosen from waiting lists from provincial hospitals. These patients are not on medical aids and some have waited years for their cataract operations.

Speaking to Berea Mail at 11am on 22 October, nurse, Asothie Kistanna, said eight operations had already been performed, and there were still 11 to go.

She said the initiative was a team effort with the entire team of nurses assisting doctors Raymond Way, Vanessa Thunstrom, Matt Young and Brian Gundry, and anaethetists Dr Dave Gwynn, Dr Bruce Cloete and Dr Lisa Ryan.

Roparte Ramkissoon who had waited three years for the operation told Berea Mail she was feeling much better knowing that it was finally going to happen. She said her daughter-in-law had made the arrangements for her to have the operation.

“I’m very relieved it is finally happening. I’m ready for this and it is going to change my life,” she said.

Florence Botha said this was the first time she was having a cataract operation, and she had been a little nervous until she saw the other patients who had come through the operation unscathed.

“I have been going to a provincial hospital and have been waiting since 2012 for the operation. I’m so glad it’s finally happening. It’s a relief to know I will be able to drive without worrying anymore. I’m so fortunate to have gotten in here today, I’m really glad,” she said.

She said she would have an operation on the other eye next year.

“My eyes were always good and I never needed glasses before, and now I won’t need to wear them anymore!” she said.

Speaking to Berea Mail after his operation, Dougie Botha said he had undergone his second cataract operation.

“I had the other eye operated on two years ago and it’s been hundreds, I felt like a teenager again! This operation went well today, and as I’d had it done before, I wasn’t nervous. I’m looking forward to having the dressing off, then I’ll be able to check things out lekker!” he said.

Henry Methuen had his first cataract operation done, and said it went perfectly.

“I’ve known Dr Vanessa Thunstrom for a few years now and felt totally comfortable with her. I’m looking forward to having the dressing off!” he said.

Henry has been waiting for his operation since the beginning of the year. He said he had been housesitting for the doctor in January, and had asked her to check his eye. She told him he would need the operation.

“I’m relieved it is now over. It was a very easy and comfortable procedure. I’ve been told there will be very dramatic results, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

Henry said he was hoping to not have to have a second operation. “Vanessa has done all the tests on my second eye, and it looks good.” he said.

The patients were all given star treatment, and were sent home with a goodie bag and snacks after their operation.