Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally, despite being entirely preventable. In South Africa, an estimated 250,000 people are blind due to untreated cataracts .

Although cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective medical interventions, between 40-60% of those suffering from visual impairment experience vision loss directly due to cataracts, negatively impacting the social, psychological, and financial well-being of individuals and their families.

Access to Care Challenges

Dr Bayanda Mbambisa, Chairperson of the Right to Sight Trust, a non-profit initiative of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), explains that while cataracts typically develop after age 40, accelerated vision loss can be seen in younger patients, particularly those with diabetes.

In South Africa, many public hospitals lack the necessary ophthalmologists, equipment, and consumables required for cataract surgery, resulting in long backlogs, with some patients waiting over a year for surgery.

OSSA Right to Sight Trust Initiative

In an effort to combat this preventable cause of blindness, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust is performing over 1,000 free cataract surgeries this year, with more than 700 scheduled for October, Eye Care Awareness Month. This initiative is made possible by the generosity of 109 ophthalmologists and 35 private hospitals, as well as the support of funding partners, individual donors, and medical device companies that contribute lenses and surgical consumables.

Over the past nine years, the Trust has successfully conducted 4,446 free cataract surgeries, equivalent to more than R124 million in medical services. These efforts have not only restored sight but have also impacted over 26,000 people indirectly, as cataract surgery benefits entire households.

The Ripple Effect of Cataract Surgery

"For every individual impacted by cataract surgery, six other people in their household are positively affected," explains Dr Mbambisa. "Families, who previously had to provide constant care, are freed from this burden, allowing them to resume educational, employment, and social activities, contributing to greater economic and social stability within communities."

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down, causing the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurred vision, diminished colour perception, and over time, complete vision loss if untreated. Contributing factors include:

• Smoking
• Eye injuries or surgeries
• Long-term sun exposure without UV protection

Signs of Cataracts

• Blurry or clouded vision, as if looking through a dirty window
• Trouble seeing at night
• Halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Double vision or ghosted images
• Seeing faded or yellow-tinted bright colours

Eye Health Tips

Dr Mbambisa urges everyone to take care of their eye health by:

• Having an annual eye exam for those over 65, or every two years if younger.
• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and hats.
• Quitting smoking.
• Eating eye-healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
• Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass.
• Limiting night driving if vision issues arise.
• Managing other health conditions, such as diabetes.
• Visiting an eye care specialist immediately if vision loss impacts daily activities.

Visit www.righttosight.org to support the Trust’s work and help more patients during Eye Care Awareness Month this October.

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Cataracts Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness

Cataracts remain the top cause of blindness in South Africa. Join the OSSA Right to Sight Trust this Eye Care Awareness Month and help provide free cataract surgeries to those in need.

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