Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in South Africa. Without treatment, these can quietly rob people of their independence.
Restoring sight through these free surgeries does more than heal eyes, it restores dignity, confidence, and connection to the world around them.
During October 2025, 80 public sector patients regained their sight through a series of free cataract surgeries made possible by Mediclinic’s nationwide initiative: six ophthalmologists, four anaesthesiologists, theatre and ward nursing staff across three Mediclinic hospitals is what it took to change these lives.
“I sing in the church choir, and I had to hold up the words in front of my face to read. It was embarrassing. I could not drive or recognise people from far,” said Herman van der Westhuizen, a recent pro bono patient at Mediclinic Stellenbosch who has spent four years on a waiting list.
“Look at me now. I can see how beautiful my wife is.”
Industry Affairs Executive at Mediclinic Southern Africa Bob Govender said: “Public hospitals are under immense pressure, with some patients waiting several years for life-changing surgeries. We can’t let our colleagues in the public sector face these challenges alone. Our pro bono cataract surgeries are a tangible way to support the system and bring immediate relief to patients who need it most.”
Govender stressed the importance of year-round action not focused on awareness months only. “Blindness doesn’t follow a calendar,” he added. “Our commitment to these surgeries must extend beyond awareness months. We are working to ensure that access to essential procedures like cataract removal is consistent and sustainable throughout the year.”
This initiative forms part of Mediclinic’s Tier 1 Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which focuses on direct partnerships with public hospitals to reduce surgical backlogs.
Since April 2018, more than 70 surgeons and anaesthetists have donated more than 6 000 hours of their time, enabling patients to receive essential surgeries that would otherwise be delayed in the public sector.
“While many of these patients are elderly, it does not necessarily mean they are retired,” said Carol Defty, Hospital General Manager at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, one of the participating facilities. “Despite their age, they often function as caregivers to their families. If their eyesight is impaired by cataracts, it greatly affects their ability to read, drive, or care for others. This has a negative impact on entire families and communities.”
Mediclinic believes it is vital to demonstrate its commitment to community well-being through its impactful pro bono cataract surgery programme. With these latest surgeries, the organisation has performed more than 500 free cataract ops since 2018, forming part of a broader initiative that has delivered nearly 1 500 life-changing procedures across various medical disciplines.
Through its CSI initiatives, Mediclinic continues to demonstrate that healthcare can be both compassionate and impactful. Every cataract surgery performed is a step toward a brighter, more inclusive future for South Africa.
Issued by Mediclinic