Busamed hospital helps give Lowvelders the right to sight
Despite the fact that cataracts are highly treatable using a very cost-effective procedure, the condition remains the leading cause of blindness in the world.
In South Africa the backlog of people who are blind or partially sighted due to untreated cataracts stands at an estimated 240 000.
It is precisely this problem that the Right to Sight initiative aims to address.
Right to Sight is a heartfelt initiative through the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) that brings together ophthalmologists and sponsors with a shared purpose – to restore vision to those who cannot afford cataract surgery.
After a successful first year as part of Right to Sight in 2024 that saw 27 free surgeries performed over two days, Busamed Loweld Private Hospital once again threw their hat into the ring and ensured they were part of it once again in 2025.
This year it was Dr Johan Eksteen (10) along with Dr Morgan Hayes (8) and Dr Dean van der Westhuizen (20) of the Nelspruit Eye Institute who joined forces to change lives through the special initiative. In total this trio performed 38 pro-bono cataract surgeries on October 17 and 18, made possible through the generosity and collaboration of various sponsors and partners.
The list of sponsors and partners included the Ophthalmology Management Group, Alcon, GenEye, Oculate and Van Heerden Pharmacy.
These companies sponsored various materials required for the operations as well as post-op patient care while Busamed sponsored theatre time at the hospital. Anaesthetists who also donated their time for the surgeries were Dr P van Immerzeel, Dr W Barrett, Dr F Hoosen and Dr R Swart.
For Drs Van der Westhuizen, Hayes and Eksteen, this initiative is deeply meaningful – a reminder of the profound impact their work can have beyond the walls of their practices. Each patient’s restored vision is a story of renewed independence, gratitude and hope.
“Whether we like it or not, we’re all likely to develop cataracts at some point in our lives,” said Eksteen.
“It’s a problem that affects countless people in South Africa, so initiatives like Right to Sight are extremely important to help those in need by changing their lives and restoring their sight once again.”
He did, however, acknowledge that more still needs to be done.
“The people we are helping here (at Busamed) would typically not be able to afford these procedures, and the public health facilities are simply unable to handle the load that faces them. It’s truly special being able to be a part of this initiative and change the lives of the few we are able to.”
Right to Sight is not just about surgery – it’s about compassion, teamwork and giving back to the community by restoring the precious gift of sight – one patient at a time.
One of the Lowvelders who received treatment last weekend was Pienaar resident, Dorres Khoza.
“I am a domestic worker and this procedure will change my life and help me to see properly again so that I can do the work I need to do. I’m very grateful,” she said after the operation.
Another Lowvelder, Estelle du Plessis of Barberton, a retired pensioner, said: “I love painting and I haven’t been able to do so for the last three years as my eyesight has deteriorated. But, I can now start again, and this will allow me to make additional income.”
Busamed Lowveld Private Hospital is soon to expand their service offerings which will include an Emergency Centre, Radiology, Medical beds, Intensive Care Unit and two dedicated Robotic theatres.
