Ermelo Regional Hospital will this week officially launch cataract operations as part of Eye Care Awareness Month, up until October 17.

The Department of Health is using this period to highlight the importance of eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness, including cataracts and refractive errors.

The department has been encouraging regular eye exams at various facilities and raising awareness of early symptoms, such as vision loss, through radio talks, screenings, and operations.

MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, will visit Ermelo Provincial Hospital on Thursday, October 10, to launch the cataract operations in Gert Sibande.

Ermelo Provincial hospital aims to perform 70 cataract surgeries by Friday, contributing to a provincial target of 550 operations across eye care centres.

The department hopes this initiative will not only restore vision but also increase awareness of eye health and the importance of timely medical intervention. More details and responses will be available in the print edition.