Carstenhof performs free eye ops

The World Sight Day initiative seeks to raise awareness about visual impairments, sight and eye healthcare.

Soweto residents, Christopher Mahlobo and Elizabeth Dhlamini, as well as Jemina Moshidi from Midrand, said they were very happy when they were selected for the free cataract operations.

Mahlobo said he is thankful for the operation. He added, “My left eye was operated on, I was told a cataract is also developing on my right eye so I will get another operation at a later stage.”

Dhlamini said, “One of my eyes had a cataract, I want to thank the hospital and Dr Darshana Soma for changing my sight for the better.”

Speaking on behalf of his 81-year-old mother, Jemina Moshidi who received an eye operation, Johannes Moshidi explained that his mother had come all the way from Limpopo for the operation.

He said his mother, who could not see, received operations on both eyes and is starting to see shadows and light.

“I saw an advert in the Midrand Reporter for Dr Soma, and when I contacted her to ask how much the operation will be, she said she needed to see the patient first. I took my mother to the hospital and I was happy to hear that she would… receive a free operation,” said Moshidi.

Moshidi said he could not have afforded the operation had it not been for the doctor, sponsors and the hospital’s generosity.

Soma said older people are more at risk when it comes to cataracts, and people with high blood pressure and diabetes are encouraged to have their eyes tested every year to detect eye problems early.

“Restoration of sight is a priceless gift to any person. I decided, in conjunction with the team at Life Carstenhof Clinic, to do three free cataract operations for individuals who had severe visual impairments. I was fortunate to get sponsors. The free operations are my small contribution towards World Sight Day,” she said.

Soma would like to thank Alcon laboratories, Apex Vision, as well as Life Carstenhof Clinic.

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