Discovery launches new cataract initiative to prevent blindness

By Jurina Nkwazi
14 October 2010

Today is World Sight Day and Discovery has launched a new initiative that will help increase the number of public hospital cataract surgeries in South Africa.

About 200 000 people in SA will require cataract surgery provided in the public healthcare system.

Discovery has committed R10 million over the next 2 years to facilitate 3 600 cataract operations in areas where they are most needed.

This move is an attempt to help the Department of Health and the South African National Council for the Blind combat the start of preventable blindness.

“Cataracts are by far the most common cause of blindness in South Africa and around the world. This initiative will communicate and educate people on how to prevent blindness,” Head of Discoveries Health Profession Strategy department, Dr. Maurice Goodman said.

He said “there is a number of preventable causes but one of the unpreventable causes is aging. A person reaching the age of 65 has a 60% chance of developing a cataract,” Head of Discovery Health Profession Strategy department, Dr Maurice Goodman said.

He made an appeal to the public to stop smoking and adopt a healthy diet.

"People should have their eyes examined at least once every two years and to ensure they wear a hat and sunglasses when out in the sun," dr. Gooodman said.

Cataracts can also be slowed down or prevented by eating foods rich in antioxidants.

The National Cataract Coalition and the South African Council for the Blind will be working closely with public hospitals to manage the project.