The Eye and Laser Institute gives back
ANNUALLY the Eye and Laser Institute in partnership with Medical Forum Theatre (MFT) Day Hospital embark on two key community outreach programmes.
Cataract Day is the Institute’s first outreach programme and takes place during Eye Care Awareness Month, celebrated annually from mid-September to mid-October.
The purpose of this day is to give sight back to those who cannot afford the cost of cataract surgery.
Patients are identified through the Nkosinathi foundation or the Provincial Hospital and screened at the Eye and Laser Institute by resident ophthalmologists.
If the patient is identified as being eligible for the procedure, they are booked for cataract surgery to restore their vision.
The Eye and Laser Institutes’ Ophthalmologists, MFT Day Hospital staff and anaesthetists donate their expertise, time and service to perform the procedures on up to 25 deserving patients.
This year marks the 18th year that MFT Day Hospital staff have participated in this special event and, it is by far one of the most satisfying and fulfilling days in their working lives because they are giving back the gift of sight.
The White Cane Run is the second outreach programme that the institute hosts. The Run is held in October each year as close as possible to International White Cane Day that takes place on the 15th of October in the United States.
The race is organised in conjunction with Walmer Athletics Club, Nkosinathi Foundation for the Visually Impaired and Spec-Savers.
This initiative was created to generate support for the visually impaired/ blind community, build awareness around the meaning of the white cane and to raise funds for Nkosinathi Foundation.
The race has grown significantly over the last six years and boasts a 5km walk, a 10km league race and a White Cane Team Challenge.
The Team Challenge dares families, friends and corporates to “walk the walk” and be a part of something big, by putting themselves in the shoes of a blind/partially sighted person.
Every year the race has become more and more popular and last year The Eye and Laser Institute were able to hand over R17 000 to the Nkosinathi Foundation to continue the phenomenal work they do in the community.
The Eye and Laser Institute and MFT Day Hospital are committed to serving not only their patients but also the entire Eastern Cape Community.