The catch-up project, which will use two theatres specifically built for Covid-19 patients, is set to perform 1,500 elective surgeries in one year.
These include cataract surgery, cancer operations and orthopaedic procedures. These surgeries had to be postponed after Covid-19 hit SA in 2020.So far R15m has been donated towards the catch-up project with donors including the Gift of the Givers and more than 200 individuals and businesses.
This week Schoeman said she was excited to be one of the first patients to benefit from the surgery project. “Now I have a wonderful vision. It’s amazing to be able to do things that I couldn’t do and feel normal again. I can read my Bible and all my library books, and drive at night. I don’t have to use my cellphone torch to brighten the words, which was very frustrating and left me quite despondent at times.
Amina Ismail, 89, of Steenberg is also ecstatic about regaining her vision. “I waited for many years to get my eye fixed. And just when I thought I was going to have my cataract procedure, Covid-19 happened. So I had to wait again. But I got a call a few weeks ago saying I could come in and have it done on the weekend. The procedure was quick. I can now see much better, and can watch TV.”