When Betty Skosana, a beloved domestic helper, began struggling to see clearly, her employers acted quickly. Despite being pensioners, they used their own funds to ensure she received the specialist surgery she required.
Pretoria, South Africa (23 April 2026) – In 2025, Betty Skosana’s life took an unexpected turn. After a period of medical leave to recover from hypertension, the 65-year-old domestic worker returned to her position with the Webb family in September. However, it wasn’t long before the family noticed a new struggle: Betty’s vision was beginning to fail.
“We purchased reading glasses to help her and arranged for her eyes to be tested by an optometrist. An ophthalmologist later diagnosed cataracts in both eyes and a neglected retinal detachment in her right eye, which was already irreversible,” shares Hermann Webb, Danie and Gina Saayman.
Time went by, and by February 2026, Betty told her employers that she could no longer recognise people even from a short distance.
“We acted urgently. We booked her in with a specialist at Pretoria Eye Institute Hospital on 20 February. The consultation revealed that her remaining left eye also had a detached and torn retina. Without urgent surgery, she faced the risk of total blindness.”
They also later found that Betty’s condition was caused by a severe reaction to prescribed medication, resulting in a fall and the retinal detachment in her right eye. However, by the time the condition was discovered, she had already lost permanent sight in that eye.
Betty’s employers stepped in personally to fund the initial surgery costs. The first procedure on 23 February was a success.
“But Betty now needs a second critical operation to remove silicone oil that keeps the retina in position, from her eye, before it causes complications and replace it with a gas bubble that takes over the role of the oil and enables the eye to heal naturally and improve eyesight as far as possible. Without this, her vision will remain distorted, and her eyesight could deteriorate further.”
Public hospitals aren’t an option, due to waiting lists, weak management and mostly unavailable specialist treatment. And despite their greatest efforts, the Webbs need additional support to help restore Betty’s sight.
“Time is critical, and immediate private intervention is necessary for the successful completion of the treatment of Betty’s precious remaining eye.”
The first surgery cost around R83,415.85, where R37,197.21 was paid by Betty’s employers. R46,218.64 is still outstanding, and the second surgery Betty requires is R80,611.85.
“As pensioners ourselves, we have done everything we can to support Betty and ensure she receives urgent care. However, we simply cannot carry the full financial burden of these surgeries alone, and we cannot bear to see her suffer from compromised vision or lose her remaining sight.”
Betty is an avid beader and is incredibly grateful for the support she has received so far. To help Betty regain clear vision and preserve her independence, donate here.
Sources: Supplied
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