Twenty Atlantis residents have been given a new lease on life after receiving free cataract surgery through a collaborative initiative involving Rotary Atlantis, the Rotary Club of Melkbos, the Atlantic Eye Foundation and Eerste River Hospital.
Rotary Atlantis chairperson, Danny Pietersen (far right on photo), said the club is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the initiative. “The Atlantis community would like to express its sincere gratitude following the successful cataract surgeries performed on 20 of our residents,” said Pietersen. He said Rotary Atlantis coordinated and oversaw the transport and administrative arrangements, ensuring that patients could travel safely to and from Eerste River Hospital for their procedures. Pietersen also thanked Frederik Jansen and the Rotary Club of Melkbos for conducting the post-operative examinations at the Jansen Vorster Practice in Melkbosstrand, ensuring that patients received the necessary follow-up care after their operations. He also expressed appreciation to the Atlantic Eye Foundation, Dr David Steven, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Eerste River Hospital, including hospital staff, volunteers and donors whose generosity, time and expertise made the project possible. He had a special word of thanks for Rotary E-Club of Greater Cape Town, for donating blankets to each of the patients, providing additional comfort during their recovery. “Your collective commitment and compassion have made a meaningful difference in the lives of these 20 Atlantis residents,” Pietersen added.
Jansen (kneeling in front) said restoring a person’s sight goes far beyond improving their vision. “It gives them back their human dignity and independence. Instead of relying on full-time care, many patients are once again able to care for themselves and contribute to their households.”
He explianed that as funding and medical resources become available, further cataract surgery programmes will be arranged.
He also praised his dedicated staff for supporting the initiative without any additional compensation.
