The Ophthalmological Society of South Africa will be giving the gift of restored eyesight to over 1,000 deserving patients, for free, nationwide.
South Africa (23 September 2025) – The 21st of September to the 18th of October marks Eyecare Awareness Month in South Africa.
It’s an annual call to shine the spotlight on good eye health, the importance of regular eye tests, and the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.
Rising Diabetes Rates Increase the Leading Cause of Blindness
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has doubled in just six years among middle-aged adults in South Africa and beyond. It is this very rise that has directly increased the risk of developing one of the main causes of blindness, cataracts, compared to the general population.
This is due to high blood sugar levels triggering chemical changes in the eye, leading to the breakdown and clumping of proteins in the lens. Over time, this clouding causes vision to deteriorate, accelerating cataract formation and, if untreated, blindness.
According to Dr Bayanda Mbambisa, former Chairperson of the Right to Sight Trust (the non-profit initiative of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA)), cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally, despite being one of the most preventable and treatable eye conditions.
“Cataract surgery is widely recognised as one of the most cost-effective medical interventions available. Yet between 40-60% of people with visual impairment experience vision loss directly due to cataracts, with severe consequences for their social, psychological, and financial well-being, as well as that of their families,” says Dr Mbambisa.
“Although cataracts typically develop gradually after the age of 40, accelerated vision loss is increasingly seen in younger patients and those with diabetes. Unfortunately, in South Africa, access to care remains a major challenge. Many public hospitals lack ophthalmologists, the required equipment or even the consumables for surgery, leaving patients to wait untreated, for years in some cases.”
Giving The Gift of Sight to Over 1000 Patients
To combat this preventable cause of blindness and restore sight to those in need, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust will perform more than 1,000 free cataract surgeries in 2025, with around 700 surgeries taking place during Eyecare Awareness Month (20 September – 17 October).
This nationwide initiative will see 109 ophthalmologists in private practice donate their time and expertise with the support of 35 private hospitals that provide free theatre time and essential services. Funding partners, individual donors and medical device companies will further contribute lenses and surgical consumables to make these life-changing operations possible with no cost to those in financial need.
In 2024 alone, this incredible initiative restored the sight of 1,129 patients.
“Our mission is to restore not only sight but also hope and dignity to patients,” says Dr Mbambisa.
“For every person who regains their vision, at least six family members experience a ripple effect, freed from the burden of care and able to return to work, school and normal life. The impact on households and communities is profound.”
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This results in blurred, hazy vision, faded colour perception, and, if untreated, complete vision loss.
Major risk factors for cataracts include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Eye injuries or surgery
- Long-term exposure to UV rays without protective sunglasses
Signs of cataracts may include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision, as if looking through a dirty window
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Double vision or ghosted images
- Difficulty with night vision or driving at night
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Needing brighter light for reading
Dr Mbambisa urges South Africans to protect their eye health by managing diabetes risks through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups.
She recommends that individuals over 40 have an eye exam every two years, and those aged 65 and older should have an exam annually.
Additionally, protecting your eyes from UV rays, quitting smoking, and consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains are essential for maintaining good eye health.
If you or a loved one happens to experience vision loss that interferes with daily activities, seek care immediately.
To help the Trust reach more patients during Eyecare Awareness Month, visit the website.
Sources: Supplied
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