By Emily Setona
QwaQwa – For 60-year old Maria Mbuli, Sunday morning was a miracle. After years of total blindness, the moment her eye patch was removed she screamed as light flooded back into her life.
“I was very scared, but now I can see,” Mbuli said from Mofumahadi Manapo Regional Hospital after undergoing cataract surgery on Saturday.
She was one of 83 patients who had their sight restored during a three-day cataract surgery marathon at Manapo that ended on Sunday, 23 August. A total of 130 people were screened.
Mbuli, of Paballong, said the operation on her left eye gave her new hope.
“I would like to encourage other people with eye problems to come to the Manapo Eye Clinic. Don’t be misled. I believe I will see completely when my right eye is operated on,” she said.
She praised nurses for treating patients “with dignity and respect, as if we are fragile babies.”
Harry Masiteng (63), of Phuthaditjhaba had similar joy. His left eye had deteriorated so badly he relied on glasses.
“My left eye was so blurred, I couldn’t see properly. But after this operation, I am so pleased. I can see,” Masiteng said. He urged anyone with blurred vision to visit their nearest Department of Health eye clinic.
*Marathon beats target*
The marathon targeted 75 surgeries. The hospital exceeded it:- Friday: 29 surgeries – Saturday: 27 surgeries – Sunday: 27 surgeries Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi attended on Sunday.
According to Martha Mokoena, acting operational manager of the eye clinic, doctors screened patients on Thursday ahead of the operations.
*”Protect your new sight” – Nurses warn*
Mokoena, who trained at Baragwanath Hospital, stressed that aftercare is critical.
“The work does not end in theatre. Patients get so excited they go back to lifting grandchildren or sweeping. A toddler can poke the eye. Dust can enter,” she warned.
She advised patients to:
* Wash hands before touching eyes
* Take medication as prescribed *
Avoid sweeping, dusting, fixing fences or slaughtering during recovery “Negligence can compromise the outcome. Family must also help by holding patients securely when walking,” Mokoena said.
*A second chance at life*
For Mbuli and Masiteng, the marathon did more than restore vision. It restored independence and dignity.
“That flood of light was not something to fear. It was the light I had been waiting to see again,” Mbuli said.
Health officials urged residents with cataracts not to wait until they go blind to seek help at their nearest clinic.
