The ‘Right to Sight’ initiative is a national campaign that gives patients on long waiting lists or without medical aid the opportunity to have cataracts removed.

The Lowveld Eye Institute celebrated its first campaign with lively music and dancing that lit up the hospital over the weekend, with staff keeping spirits high as patients walked through its doors.

Ophthalmologists Dr Johan Eksteen, Dr Dean van der Westhuizen, Dr Morgan Hayes, Dr Jakes Letsela and Dr Cedrick Mabowa carried out the surgeries. Anaesthetists Dr Justine van der Westhuizen, Dr Ntsebeng Mokgalaka, Dr Lloyd Duncan and Dr Anne-Mart Viljoen assisted. Van der Westhuizen explained the importance of cataract removals.

The Lowveld Eye Institute is the only eyecare hospital in the province that provides comprehensive eye care, including diagnosis treatment and surgery. Benade particularly thanked the sponsors for their contribution to making the campaign a success.

“We would like to thank everyone involved. The sponsorships not only came through money but included food for the patients and staff and even supplies for cleaning,” she said. “We are grateful to the Lowveld community that pitched in to help and make the campaign a great success,” Benade advised patients who would like to apply for the campaign to send an email to info@lowveldeye.co.za or to contact their optometrist or ophthalmologist, who can refer them to the hospital to book a screening to determine if they are eligible for the campaign.

She added that the hospital offers competitive packages for paying patients to accommodate anyone who walks through the facility’s doors.