After Losing Her Sight, Tokozile Returned to Farming and Gave Back in the Sweetest Way

Photo Credit: Grace Vision via Facebook

After cataracts stole Tokozile Lamana’s sight and the livelihood she loved, a life-changing surgery helped her return to farming. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she chose to share the fruits of her restored vision with others waiting for the same miracle.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (25 June 2026) – When cataracts slowly and progressively developed in both of Tokizile Lamana’s eyes, they began to rob her of her sight and one of the main abilities she relied on to do the work that brought her both joy and a livelihood, farming.

The work that had sustained her family and given her purpose became increasingly difficult. Like many people facing avoidable blindness, she was at risk of losing not only her vision but also her independence, productivity, and role as a provider.

However, thanks to Grace Vision’s cataract surgery programme, Tokozile received a free, life-changing eye surgery, and her sight was restored.

For many, restored sight means seeing faces clearly again, recognising loved ones, or moving around safely, Grace Vision shares. For Tokozile, it also meant returning to the land.

“With her vision restored, she was able to resume farming and become productive once more. She returned to growing food, supporting her household, and participating in the local economy. A woman who had been prevented from working by blindness was once again able to do what she had always done: provide,” the organisation shared.

But Tokozile’s story did not end with surgery. Grateful for the new lease on life she had been given by the eyecare charity, Tokozile got to work quietly farming oranges to harvest and share with the team who restored her dignity and changed her life.

During her time as a patient, Tokozile had noticed that Grace Vision had begun serving healthy food to patients attending surgical interventions.

“As part of our commitment to promoting healthy and sustainable living, patients are provided with nutritious meals and produce while also learning about the importance of lifestyle choices that contribute to long-term health and well-being.”

The oranges that had been distributed to patients made an impression on her, and a few months later, Grace Vision received an unexpected gift. A relative arrived carrying a generous donation of oranges from Tokozile’s farm!

Having experienced the life-changing impact of restored sight, Tokozile wanted to give back. This coming weekend, those very oranges will be served to a new group of patients arriving for surgery.

“The significance of that gift is hard to miss,” Grace Vision said.

“The people who will receive those oranges are walking the same path Tokozile once walked. They are arriving with uncertainty, hoping that they, too, might regain their sight and reclaim the lives that blindness has taken from them.”

As many more grandmothers, grandfathers, families and community members sit together and share a meal, they will be eating fruit grown and donated by someone who was once in their position. Someone who was blind and can now see. Someone who returned to work, returned to providing, and chose to return the blessing she had received.