The months of April and May 2026 marked an important milestone in the Health Calendar of Gauteng. 126 Free Cataract surgeries were performed on a rainbow group of underprivileged elderly people at various Hospitals in the Province. This brought the count presently to 14 040 free Cataract operations and 129 Squint operations since inception in 2005
At a heart-warming Discharge Ceremony at the Leratong Hospital on Monday 18 May 2026 Senior Health Officials, Cataract Operation Coordinators and Community Members bid farewell to 41 Cataract Recipients with sight to the world. 49 Cataract Operations were performed here in April. This ceremony truly marked a significant moment of continuous service to humanity in the spirit of Ubuntu and Nation Building. Other hospitals where free Cataract operations were performed, were 24 at Sebokeng Hospital and 12 at St John Eye Hospital.
Patients gratefully remarked that the return of their vision was truly a great blessing from the Almighty God. An elderly lady from Daveyton on the East Rand, when given a chance to speak, stated that after being pushed from pillar to post for many kilometres and hours, she truly saw light at the end of the tunnel at the sight of the Free Cataract Project poster. Mr Steven Buys, a recipient of a cataract, expressed that his fear only melted away when he came into the company of caring medical staff, persevering patients and a new seeing experience.
Dr Itumeleng Molathlegi the CEO of the hospital thanked all the patients for having used the services of the hospital and welcomed any feedback whether negative or positive. Dr Rodger Phanzu the Clinical Manager of Leratong Hospital expressed gratitude to the Sponsors and Staff for having made a dream come true for many a patient. He too encouraged all present to take optimum care of their health in order to see many more years to come.
One remarkable personality in the Ophthalmology Department at Leratong Hospital happens to be Dr Leila Rahman who Heads the Department. She is absolutely committed and dedicated to her patients’ eye care from when the sun rises to sunset. Her facilitation of the Free Cataract Project at the Hospital is commendable. Dr Leila delivered a talk on after care to the recipients of their cataracts.
The Free Cataract Operation Project was initiated by the honourable Dr Shabir Hussain in 2005 from humble beginnings and to date he is supported by a number of dedicated fellow colleagues. The Project is actively sponsored by Awqaf SA, Caring Women Forum, Haroon Tayob Family, Bliss Chemicals, HHRD, Islamic Medical Association, Sultan Bahu Organization, HBZ, Charity Australia, Islamic Circle of SA, Jamiatul Ulema SA and numerous other groups and individuals. The Cataract Project is indeed highly grateful to one and all.You have led the frail, the poor and the weak from darkness to light.
We need to hereby also mention the significant role which the Gauteng Department of Health has played in their partnership with the Cataract Project. Many a stride would not have been achieved without their active support and participation. It too is worth stating here that a number of more hospitals have joined this noble initiative to lead more indigent persons from darkness to light.
In order that more needy people may be led to see the light, monetary support may be forwarded to:
IMASA-CATARACT / Standard Bank / Account No. 00401028488 / Reference- Your Name
Do remember that for a kind donation of only R2 500,00 one can change the life of a desperate underprivileged person from darkness to light.
