Gift of the Givers Founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said they were assessing nationwide needs for cataract surgery.
The Gift of the Givers is gearing up for World Sight Week during which they will be funding 150 cataract catch-up surgeries at the McCord’s Provincial Eye Hospital in Overport, Durban.
World Sight Week started on Monday October 9 and will run until Friday October 13.
With a staggering backlog of 4000 cases at the hospital alone, Gift of the Givers Founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said they were also assessing nationwide needs for this surgery.
He said last year the organisation successfully completed 52 cases at the hospital and then in September, 54 additional cases were completed.
“We plan to conduct about 50 cataract surgeries through November and December via our ‘Eye Camps’ in a bid to reduce the backlog,” said Dr Sooliman.
He said the transformation experienced by patients when their sight was restored was beyond words.
“Many have endured eight years or more in a state of blindness, and it only takes 15 minutes to bring back their vision. These patients regain full functionality, re-join the workforce, support their families, and relish the beauty of the world around them,” said Dr Sooliman.
He asked that other hospitals and medical centres who are able to assist, to do so.
“Extensive support for this programme will be most welcome as many hospitals in South Africa have a huge backlog resulting in a very sad fate for tens of thousands of patients who wait with faith and hope to have their vision again,” said Dr Sooliman.
To contribute towards the Gift of the Givers interventions, click here or call 0800786911