Community rallies to restore Fatima’s sight

For Fatima Barnard, the ability to see clearly is slipping away – but an urgent eye operation could give her back 95% of her vision. The challenge? The procedure costs R40 000, and without medical aid, she and her husband, Stephanus, are turning to the community for help.

• Lees ook: Tweejarige sterk goed aan na oogoperasie

Fatima’s health struggles began a few years ago when she started experiencing seizures. Initially misdiagnosed with epilepsy, she later learned she had suffered a stroke that affected the right side of her body. The damage didn’t stop there – doctors discovered macular holes in her right eye, a condition that affects the lens, along with Neuralgia, a painful disorder affecting her jaw. Surgery helped repair much of the damage, but her vision continued to deteriorate.

Then, in June last year, the couple faced an unimaginable loss – the passing of their daughter. Stephanus believes the emotional trauma of both the stroke and their grief may have contributed to the worsening of Fatima’s condition.

More recently, Fatima noticed her eyesight failing again. At first, they assumed it was a natural decline, but an eye test revealed the devastating truth – her right eye was almost completely covered by cataracts. Doctors confirmed that she urgently needs a lens replacement surgery, which could restore most of her vision.

For Fatima, this is about more than just seeing clearly; it’s about regaining her independence. She works with numbers and spends hours on a computer each day, tasks that are becoming increasingly difficult.

The Barnards, however, are facing financial hardship. Three years ago, Stephanus lost his job. While he has since opened a private school, it is still in its early stages and not yet financially stable. With no medical aid, the cost of the operation is simply beyond their reach.

Despite the challenges, Stephanus remains hopeful.

I want to support my wife. We have been married for 21 years, and we do everything together. We believe God will provide,” he said.

The operation is scheduled for April 2, and the Barnards are appealing to the community for support. They have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise the necessary funds and give Fatima the gift of sight once more.

If you would like to contribute, you can contact Stephanus on 071 351 6903 or donate via their BackaBuddy campaign.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings them one step closer to making this life-changing surgery a reality.