Dozens of cataract sufferers in South Africa have regained their eyesight after suffering for many years with vision problems.

In a report by the Associated Press, 133 people were able to regain their sight during an intensive campaign to perform free cataract surgeries, which took place over two weekends at two hospitals near Johannesburg.

Gladys Khosa, 84, was one such case, regaining the ability to see her family after a long struggle with vision problems. Her separation from her loved ones was not due to restrictions on visits, but rather a result of her developing cataracts.

According to the same agency, Khoza recounts the details of her journey immediately after the bandage was removed: “Oh my God!” She added with a broad smile after the nurse asked her if she could see: “Very well.”.

These operations come after a long wait for a number of patients, with officials reporting that some of them had been on waiting lists since 2019.

Full vision restored for dozens in South Africa

Cataracts, or cloudy lens, are the leading cause of treatable blindness and are often associated with aging. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new artificial lens, and typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes. For Gladys, the surgery was a huge boost to her quality of life, enabling her to see her loved ones, read her Bible, and watch television again.

The Associated Press quoted Dr. Tebogo Fakudy, one of the volunteer doctors, as saying: "Restoring sight is wonderful because it alleviates depression and reduces the feeling of being a burden." He added that the surgeries are essential for restoring patients' independence and dignity.

According to the World Health Organization, more than two billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, half of whom have either preventable conditions or have not yet received treatment. The number of people with cataracts is estimated at around 100 million globally, half of whom require surgery, while the rate in Africa reaches 751,300.

Surgical waiting lists in South Africa

South Africa suffers from long waiting lists for surgeries, with public hospitals serving more than three-quarters of the country's 62 million people. Surgical marathons, first launched on Mandela Day in 2023, have become an effective way to address the backlog.

The latest campaigns have focused on cataract removal, with around 300,000 new cases diagnosed annually, while more than 240,000 people are waiting to undergo the procedure.

During the recent marathon campaign, 60 surgeries were performed over three days at the Folosong Regional Hospital, with a new patient being admitted to the operating room approximately every 30 minutes, while soothing music played to uplift the spirits of the surgeons. The meticulous work and coordination among the surgeons resulted in rapid and tangible improvements in the sight of hundreds of patients.