Minister Commends Free Cataract Surgery Drive

A special cataract surgery project is being undertaken at Kuilsriver Netcare Hospital as part of Eye Awareness Week, which is traditionally held during the month of October. Ten state patients with cataracts were operated free of charge.

Provincial Health Minister, Pierre Uys, who visited the hospital, said the project helped to make inroads into the backlog in our province. He thanked the hospital for their contribution to alleviate the backlog and for their partnership with public health,especially in the Western Cape.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's internal lens, which interferes with the individual's ability to see clearly. At present there is no way to eliminate a cataract other than removing it surgically and to have a plastic lens implant.

"In state hospitals our staff are working hard to cope with the growing demand for cataract surgery " Uys said.

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Issued by:
Ministry of Health
Western Cape