The Eastern Cape Department of Health, under the leadership of MEC Ntandokazi Capa, is currently holding a Cataract Surgeries Blitz at Frontier Regional Hospital s Sabona Eye Centre in Komani, as part of World Sight Day commemoration observed globally on the second Thursday of October.

In partnership with the Al Imdaad Foundation, the initiative will enable 100 patients to undergo life-changing cataract surgeries between 3 5 October 2025. The programme held under the global theme #LoveYourEyes, reaffirms the provincial government s commitment to ensuring access to specialised healthcare that restores dignity for all, including those affected by preventable blindness.

MEC Capa commended the medical teams and partners for their dedication, stressing that cataract surgery is one of the most effective interventions in preventing avoidable blindness. We are determined to ensure that no one in our communities is left in the dark due to a condition that can be treated. This programme represents our unwavering commitment to expanding access to specialised healthcare that uplifts lives,” she said.

For many patients, the surgeries mark the beginning of a renewed life, enabling them to regain independence, return to work, and reconnect with their families and communities. The Sabona Eye Centre continues to serve as a provincial centre of excellence for eye health, ensuring that timely interventions reach those most in need.