Recently, we flew to Limpopo for an eye clinic to perform cataract surgeries. One of our patients, Muntshinye, has been blind in both eyes for five years. She was thrilled to finally receive the long-awaited surgery. While having a chat with her, we asked what she thinks of the initiative, she responded “A lot of people in my area testified that they have been helped by Flying for life, that is how I got to know about it. It would be great to have the organisation visit more often as it brings hopes into our lives again.”

Mutshinye stated that she has been on a waiting list for surgery at a local hospital for three years. We are humbled and giddy as our partner doctors made her dream of being able to see again come true.

At Flying for life, we are happy to make a difference and always look forward to helping individuals like Mutshinye.

The elephant in the room… Cataracts.

A cataract is a clouding over of the clear lens of the eye. They cause very poor eyesight and grow more common with age. A cataract can only be removed with surgery; removing the hardened cloudy lens that has developed and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. This surgery costs, on average, R25 000… per eye!

You can image what a new lens can bring. A new lease on life, regained independence. The ability to cook your own dinner again! And find the toilet without any accidents.

Performing an eye surgery of this nature comes at a hefty expense, and the need for it is great among South Africans. No medical aid? no surgery; join a waiting list at a government clinic? you’ll be waiting years to receive treatment. Rural clinics rarely bring in professionals who can conduct these operations. That’s why we need Flying for Life.

We’re providing the necessary resources to the underprivileged, so that they get the chance to see again and continue with their lives the way so many of us take for granted.

A Bucket List of Benefits

Eyesight is one of the most precious gifts. Losing that gift can be devastating.

We’ve made a bucket list for our patients, because we believe breakthrough is right around the corner. We will be intrepid at chipping away at that waiting list.

#1 Resume favourite hobbies.

So many of our patients loved working in their gardens, not only for subsistence reasons.

Reading! We’ve had teachers come in for surgery who haven’t been able to pick up on their work for years.

Tending to livestock.

Sewing.

Watching their grandchildren grow up.

Cooking for family and friends once more.

Can you think of any others? We’re sure there are plenty!

#2 Prevents injuries.

In rural villages, community is key, and a thriving social space is all the more vibrant when you can walk independently from one area, home, space to the next. So simple and yet its effect on autonomy is monumental.

#3 Regained Independence.

And this is where it’s really at… If a surgery is performed successfully, the patient is now able to look after themselves. Most patients have moved in and depend on their grandchildren. Renewed sight means regained independence for these individuals, their children, and their grandchildren. This is the domino effect we’re fighting for!

Thanks for being the best supporters an initiative could ask for!

We’ve got a 5 day outreach prepared and we’ll fill you on the details soon.

If you would like to donate to our flights, please click HERE.

Until our next flight,

Flying for Life

#HelpHopeHealing