The gift of eyesight

Fourways Life Hospital gave back to the community on 1 November when they performed the surgeries on patients from Johannesburg.

According to media liaison officer for the hospital, Kim da Cruz, the surgeries were performed to individuals who could not afford to have the procedure done.

“This happens at least once a year, the hospital gives back to those who are in need, whose eyesight is in serious trouble and need our help,” she said.

The procedures were headed up by a team of expert doctors and orchestrated by head eye surgeon Dr Dory Neu-Ner.

“October was eye awareness month and it is only fitting we conduct these surgeries today,” he said.

Each surgery took about 45 minutes depending on the damage each patient had to their eye. Neu-Ner said they operated on the worst eye of each patient. Each surgery costs around R25 000, including outpatient treatment.

Each patient was selected through a network of optometrists who approached the hospital with these special cases.

A Fourways Review journalist had the opportunity to go into theatre and watch the procedures being done. Teamwork and communication were key to quick turnaround times in theatre, as Neu-Ner and his team worked effectively and had great relationships with each patient, attending to their individual needs.

Each patient was given specific local anaesthetics, however they were awake during the procedures so doctors could communicate with them.

“Most of these patients cannot afford this surgery, they do not have the funds or medical aid to support them, it is an unselfish gift we are giving them. By the end of the week their eyesight will improve dramatically,” commented Neu-Ner.

The doctor said this drive would continue to be one of the hospital’s community-based projects.