Top award for Frere doctor
A FRERE Hospital doctor, who dedicated his life to helping people with cataract-related eye problems, was honoured with a prestigious humanitarian award over the weekend.
Dr Peter Alexander was among those celebrated at the 47th National Congress of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) in Port Elizabeth.
“I often wonder what made me stay in state hospitals for more than 30 years because most of the time it is chaos in this place – but when you do an operation on someone’s eye and make them smile afterwards, it makes you feel good,” Alexander said yesterday.
“My sole motivation to keep helping these patients with cataracts is so that I can at least make them see better and to make them feel useful in society again.
“I feel it is quite a big honour to be recognised for the work we are doing here.”
Alexander has been head of the ophthalmology at Frere Hospital since 1997 and operated on more than 15 000 cataracts during his career.
The award honours notable doctors, who participate in charitable activities, community service and other humanitarian activities which should be performed in their capacity as an ophthalmologist.
OSSA former president and colleague, Dr Andrew Boliter said as an organisation they were pleased to honour Alexander for his commitment to the field.
“He has really been the backbone of ophthalmology in the state sector for more than 25 years and while many have come and gone, he single-handedly did the bulk of the work particularly in cataract surgery.
“He deserves this award more than anyone else I know and I am pleased that he was honoured and recognised with this prestigious award, he really deserves a medal,” Boliter said.
Alexander’s wife, Beryl, who has supported him throughout his career, said the award was well-deserved.
“He has always put the needs of the patient first and always gives his best to help anyone he can, which I think is key to being honoured for this award.
“He devoted his life to working in the public health system and it makes me very proud that he was recognised.” —