An Eye-Opening Experience

Story by Lesego Lebethe, edited by Otlotleng Mokgatle

The gift of sight is something that many of us take for granted daily. The mere ability to see our loved ones is a gift on its own. Our eyes are sometimes even called the window to our souls. Good eyesight makes life easier in terms of completing basic tasks independently. As precious as our eyes are, it is important to look after them and be able to identify when something is wrong with them.

With this said, many people in South Africa’s poorer communities are affected by cataracts. Many of them also remain unaware of what cataracts are and of the treatment available for them. Even when educated about cataracts, some are still unable to afford the necessary treatment. Studies have shown that more than three-quarters of all blindness is avoidable and that cataracts are the most common cause of such blindness.

*Lindiwe was one of those individuals affected by cataracts. In 2018, Lindiwe was deprived of her eyesight due to cataracts. She had lost all hope of regaining her eyesight. Not having her eyesight had significantly affected her life, completing simple tasks – such as eating – had become more challenging for her. She recalled times in her condition, when she was unable to cope while taking care of young children.

It was on the 8th of May 2021 that Lindiwe got a call that would change her life. Flying For Life flew out to Venda to perform cataract surgeries for community members just like Lindiwe. Though Lindiwe was in dire need of the cataract surgery, she never imagined that she would be one of many in her community receiving it. For many of these people, Flying For Life was their last and only hope at regaining their eyesight and having a chance to live a normal life again.

Who or What exactly is Flying For Life?

Partnering with dedicated volunteer ophthalmologists and nurses, Flying For Life flies to administer free cataract surgeries on the affected community members – committed to whole-heartedly improving the lives of those in need. Mercy Gwanga is one of these volunteers.

Mercy Gwanga, a volunteer theatre assistant, was deeply moved by the patients’ joy after receiving the surgeries. She mentioned how a grandmother ecstatically told her about how she would be able to see her grandchildren now. According to her, Flying For Life gives hope to people and turns that hope into reality.

“The best portion of a good man’s life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

~ William Wordsworth.

More volunteers like Mercy, along with funding are vital to help people like Lindiwe receive the hope and healing they need to become independent members of society.

To further assist our mission, DONATE to Flying for Life!

Your help is both needed and much appreciated.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of patients.