On TV Tonight: How Discovery Is Tackling Cataracts In SA

"The gift of sight is precious, and when one loses it, it can be devastating to lurch forward through the rest of life in darkness."

Every year in South Africa cataracts cause blindness in about 1 000 people - this adds up to about 50% of all people who go blind yearly. The problem increases with lack of awareness and poor quality eye-care services, especially in rural areas. Department of Health statistics show that currently more than 350 000 people need cataract surgery, and 160 000 are blind as a result of cataracts.

Thandi, who became blind because of cataracts, can testify to this. She describes what a life in darkness is like and the frustration of being unable to tend properly to her cattle and fields in the rural Maphumulo district in KwaZulu-Natal. "Sometimes, I feel like I’m walking uphill, even when I’m not, and sometimes, when I’m walking up the stairs, I am completely blind and fall down."

Watch Cutting Edge tonight on SABC1 for a documentary on how life-changing cataract surgery is making a difference in the lives of people in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Discovery Health has joined forces with the National Eye Care Coalition to support the Department of Health in clearing the current backlog of patients waiting for cataract surgery.

Tonight’s episode of Cutting Edge shows the impact of this project

Show: Cutting Edge
Date: Thursday, 19 April 2012
Time: 21:30
Channel: SABC 1 (Channel 131 on DStv)

Make sure you tune in to see the positive effect this initiative has had.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Regards
Shane