To: All Media Institutions
Date: 13 October 2022
NORTHERN CAPE HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMEMORATES WORLD SIGHT DAY 2022. 

Today, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Mr Maruping Lekwene joins the international community in raising awareness towards various visual impairments and avoidable blindness in society. 
This year’s World Sight Day is observed on the 13th of October, 2022 under the theme; 'Love Your Eyes'. Our pledge, as a Department is: “I will take care of my eyes”. The theme is a reminder for everyone to take care of the beautiful gift of nature by scheduling regular visit for eye check-ups. 
With regards to Eye Care Services at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital, four hundred and sixty-three (463) cataract surgeries were performed from April 2021 to March 2022. This is in spite of the impact of COVID-19 that had a negative impact due to reduced theatre time.
The head count for Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital was four thousand two hundred and thirty-nine (4239). Of this number, four hundred and eighty (480) patients were admitted, one hundred and ninety-six (196) other ocular surgeries and fifty (50) laser therapy were done. One thousand three hundred and fifty-seven (1357) spectacles were issued.  The hospital’s centre of Ophthalmology is operating optimally to offer eye care services as per the needs of the client.

For the next two weekends, the Department in collaboration with Black Mountain Mine and SA National Council for the Blind will conduct Cataract surgery camps at Kleinsee hospital in the Namakwa District (15 - 16 and 22 – 23 October 2022). The screening of patients to identify people with cataract started from 10th – 20th October 2022, in the aforementioned district.
The campaign aims to dispense 400 to 500 spectacles to those in need. This is at no cost to the beneficiaries. The partnership is committed to the course and action to reach its objective of addressing visual impairment correction. 
The Department wishes to appreciate One Sight foundation (Non-profit Organisation) for donating Optometry equipment valued at Two Million Rand (R2 000,000,00) to Dr Harry Surtie in Upington, Galeshewe Day and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospitals in Kimberley, respectively. 
Lastly, MEC Lekwene urges communities to have their eyes tested through this campaign and beyond, as a way of life.
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Lebogang Majaha
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Health
Northern Cape Province