At least 52 patients underwent successful eye operations in Lafon County in Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday. after the health ministry and the Carter Centre on Monday started a one-week surgical camp to treat cases of trichiasis and, trachoma and cataracts.
Stephen Lokidor, the program manager of the trachoma control program at Cater Centre, said 52 patients regained their sight after successful cataract and trachoma operations.
“We are conducting surgery for people who have reached the late stage of blinding trachoma and those who have cataracts due to advanced age or other conditions,” he said. “Currently, the surgical camp is going on well, and about 52 patients were successfully operated on yesterday. Today (Tuesday) we are doing post-operation rounds to see how the patients are doing, give them health education and give them drugs.”
“The patients are excited and happy because many of them who were blind can now see light,” Lokidor added.
Meanwhile, Hellen Ikure, a patient who regained her sight after 20 years, expressed happiness and said she can now see and walk alone.
“I am giving thanks to Cater Centre because I am now able to see again. I could not cultivate my garden or fetch water but since yesterday after I was operated on, I am now able to see,” she said. “I can go back to the garden and start cultivation. I can now see and do not need anybody to guide and pull me about.”
Another beneficiary of the surgical camp, Peter Obba, 68, said his life has changed for the better.
“I am very happy because I can now see trees that I have never seen before,” he said. “I thank Carter Center because they opened my eyes.”
On her part, Flora Nyapwon, a cataract surgeon, said cataracts are a serious disease that needs attention and urged the local population with eye problems to turn up for treatment.
“Most of the time people go blind due to avoidable diseases because cataracts can be operated upon. Eye problems are silent diseases and patients have to go to the hospital and see doctors,” she said. “Also, there is a problem because many areas do not have facilities or doctors to treat eye conditions. At times when something falls into their eyes, they put local medicine and rub their eyes which is wrong.”
Lisman Simon, the Lafon County health director, appreciates the local population for responding positively and coming out to get treated.
“Yesterday alone around 54 patients underwent surgery and they are responding positively,” he said. “The patients are coming willingly to the surgical camp and some are being transported by the health partners to the facility.”