Over 120 cataract surgeries underway at Central Karoo InReach

On 17th September 2024, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, visited Beaufort West Hospital to meet and engage with the partners, staff and volunteers who are performing over 120 cataract surgeries in a sterile portable theatre on the hospital grounds in a bold effort to clear the three-year backlog for this procedure.

This surgery drive is part of the Central Karoo InReach Project—an extraordinary collaboration between academic institutions, government, and NGOs to clear extensive backlogs in cataract surgeries and restorative dental procedures in the Central Karoo District. The InReach is running from 16 - 22 September at Beaufort West Hospital. Apart from the cataract surgeries, approximately 250 to 300 patients are being assisted with dental extractions and restorative care. 

Key partners in the project include:

• The Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness: Providing facilities, consumables, and patient transport
• Africa20Twenty: Supplying a pop-up theatre for cataract surgeries, an ophthalmologist, and general support
• The Al-Imdaad Foundation: Offering support for consumables for cataract surgery and care packages for patients 
• Stellenbosch University (SU)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC) 

By involving both academic staff and students from UWC and SU, InReach not only affords students the opportunity to change the lives of the patients they treat, but to gain invaluable practical skills in challenging rural contexts.

For the patients, some of whom have waited up to three years for cataract surgery, the procedure represents a beacon of hope and a significant turning point. The extended wait has made everyday tasks like reading and writing increasingly difficult, leading to a profound loss of independence and joy. Patients waiting for their procedures expressed immense excitement and relief at the prospect of regaining the ability to participate fully in activities that many take for granted.

Addressing the partners, Minister Wenger said, “I want to express my deep gratitude to everybody that has made this project possible. Over 120 people’s lives are going to be changed this week, because vision is integral to a person’s livelihood and their quality of life. This InReach project is a fantastic demonstration of the power of partnerships. People come together with a common purpose to restore vision, each contributing something unique, but when put together, make a huge impact. My heart is overflowing with joy at this project. Thank you to everybody for their contributions!”

Speaking to the dire need for collaborative innovation like InReach, Mr Carl Nel from Africa20Twenty said “The need for cataract surgery and vision restoration is especially dire in rural areas and districts where backlogs are large, but through these collaborative partnerships we are able to do years of work in just seven days.” 

The sentiment was shared by District Director for Health Services in the Central Karoo and Garden Route, Mr Zee Brickles who added, “This collaboration between partners with a shared vision is an example of what we can achieve when we pool resources and skills to the benefit of the people we serve. I am proud of and encouraged by the dedication and commitment of our staff to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Sincere appreciation to our partners who have made this initiative possible.”

For the Beaufort West Hospital Management team, the project is also a celebration of their own Sister Sanna Makok, a Professional Ophthalmic Nurse in the district who has tirelessly served the Central Karoo community for over twenty years and will be retiring soon. Describing the significance of the project, Sister Makok said “I am patient focussed. This is a very special outreach because we could reach all the districts from Murraysburg, to Nelspoort.”