The ophthalmologists were led by Dr. Kayalethu Phakamisa Mkabile in support of the Rural Health Matters project. “It’s always fulfilling to see the excitement from our older residents after being operated on.

Restoring eyesight on an individual is a gift and words cannot express our appreciation. We will continue with the Rural Health Matters project as it answers the medical needs of disadvantaged communities,” she said.

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The MEC did ward rounds and later visited the team in the operating theatre. “Dr Mkabile is currently stationed at the University of Pretoria. “We are humbled and excited by his decision to volunteer to clear backlogs for cataract surgeries, while at the same time teaching and transferring skills to our doctors.

“Sekororo is one of the most rural areas in our province. We will continue to engage with specialists in urban areas, to not forget the villages they were raised in and help clear surgical backlogs. “Restoring sight for an individual is a gift and no words can express our appreciation,” she said.