The Paarl Rotary Club took action to fight cataract blindness in Vredendal, showing exactly what Rotary District 9350’s ACT4IMPACT campaign is all about—making a real, lasting impact through purposeful acts of service. On World Sight Day, the club’s mission to restore sight came to life, proving that our actions can change lives.
In South Africa, cataract blindness affects nearly 250,000 older adults, especially in rural communities. The intense sunlight speeds up the damage to the eye lens, leading to loss of vision, independence, and the ability to earn a living. Seeing this urgent need, the Paarl Rotary Club decided to act!
Collaboration to restore sight
This initiative is a shining example of the power of collaboration to address real community needs and impact lives! Teaming up with See & Smile, a Belgian NGO, the club brought in a skilled medical team that volunteered their expertise and time. For five days at Vredendal Provincial Hospital, which made its theatres available, nearly 100 patients received life-changing surgeries, gaining back their vision—individuals who had lost hope due to a lack of resources and access to medical care.
Armed with ten suitcases of specialised equipment, three ophthalmologists, an optician, and two theatre assistants worked tirelessly to restore sight. Beyond the surgeries, the team provided comprehensive post-op care, including eye exams and new spectacles for patients.
Impacting lives through vision
Restoring sight goes beyond improving vision—it restores livelihoods, independence, and dignity. For many patients who were on the verge of losing their jobs, this gift of sight meant the chance to support their families again. And the ripple effect didn’t stop there—caregivers were also freed from the heavy burden of constant care.
Dr. Magdel Putter, an ophthalmologist at Paarl Hospital, highlighted the broader impact: “We typically perform 20 to 40 cataract surgeries each month at Vredendal Hospital. But due to challenges like Covid-19 and resource shortages, the waiting list has grown to over 1,000 patients. This initiative bridges that gap, restoring both vision and economic independence.”
Continuing a legacy of service
For the Paarl Rotary Club, this project is a natural extension of their longstanding dedication to vision care. From providing spectacles to learners in need to now addressing cataract blindness among older adults, the club is making a significant impact across generations.
The Paarl Rotary Club’s project on World Sight Day embodies the spirit of the ACT4IMPACT campaign: taking purposeful action to create impactful, lasting change. It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can amplify our efforts and empower entire communities.
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