Minister of Health Swaziland, World Sight Day 2009
“Allow me this opportunity to also thank the Good Shepherd Hospital Eye Clinic which is doing an amazing job, restoring the sight of over 750 people per year by performing a simple procedure for cataract. It also provides regular optometry clinics for spectacles through collaborative efforts together with the Ministry of Health Optometrists”
In search of sight; a journey through rural Eswatini (18/7/2013)
For thirteen years Sikhelela has been roaming Swaziland in search of those who could benefit from cataract surgery. Here is the story of the vibrant Gogo’s who made the journey to Good Shepherd Hospital in search of improved sight.
Picked up on Wednesday morning in the giant Eye Clinic van ten patients hustled and bustled in to the back, ready for the long ride to Good Shepherd Hospital. On arrival their visual acuity was measured, and biometry calculated in order to decide which lens would be best for each individual. Following a night in the eye ward, they came, one by one, to the operating theatre where the revolving door of cataract operations was taking place. One more night in the eye ward was followed the next morning by a review of their new vision. Next stop; home! First step, getting everyone (and their luggage) in to the van… and we were off again across the country to return each of them to their homesteads to greet families and friends.
Johane, aged 68 from Khuphuka, had surgery on his left eye to improve vision from ‘hand movements’ to ‘counting fingers.’ This seemingly small difference in visual acuity can make activities of daily living far easier. He was met by his two daughters as we pulled into St Theresa’s Clinic, Manzini . Johane was lucky enough to be a neighbour of Sikhelala, allowing his poor sight to be discovered and subsequently improved.
Our next departure was Isabel, aged 63 from Bhekinkosi. Cataract removal of her left eye has improved her vision from ‘counting fingers’ to 2/60 (6/9 with pin hole). Isabel’s vision was tested by the RHM (rural health motivator) in her region who was the first to discover her visual acuity was so poor in her left eye. Thoko was next, a 60 year old from Mdumezulu who again was referred by her RHM when she was unable to see 6/60 on the mobile Snellen Chart used by the rural health motivators. After cataract removal in her right eye her visual acuity improved from ‘hand movements’ to 6/36!
We then began to journey further into the Swazi countryside with our remaining passengers. After some time journeying off road we stopped outside a homestead perched on the hillside where 73 year old Dondolo was met by her mother in law. Dondola had been found by Sikhelela at the pension point last month when he had carried out a quick mobile visual acuity test on those queuing up for their pensions. Dondola’s vision improved from a pre-operative visual acuity of ‘hand movements’ to a post-op VA of 3/60 (6/18 with pin hole).
Surrounded by luscious green hills, as the sun started to fall, we climbed up to Hlatikulu to drop off Silwane. This 72 year old gentleman was discovered to only have a visual acuity of ‘light perception’ in his left eye, and 1/60 in the right, by Sikhelela who carries out a monthly cataract screening outreach at the local hospital. The cataract in his left eye was removed, and his post-operative visual acuity was 6/36.
Last stop; on our way back down the mountain we reach the homestead of Liphilinah a 70 year old Gogo who, at the same clinic, was found to have a visual acuity in both eyes of only ‘hand movements’. Post-operatively, however, the right eye had been restored to 6/36, making for a joyous reunion with her family.
It is such a blessing to see the immediate changes in the lives of the passengers of Sikhelela. While the improvements may at times seem slight, even the smallest change means drastic improvement to their quality of life. The gift of sight allows these elders to continue being the foundation of their family and leaders of their community!
Sifiso's new candle maker (19/6/2013)
Finding employment in rural southern Africa can be very challenging for any young Swaziland resident. With an unemployment rate of 40% and 69% of the population below the poverty line, many Swaziland residents cannot even afford the bus fare into town. With no source of income, the only way to feed your family is to grow food at home. However, suffering from vision loss will greatly complicate an already difficult life. The traditional Swazi belief is that blindness is a curse, and that the affected are being punished for their sins. Some community members may be uncooperative, avoiding contact with the entire family. This was the reality for Sifiso, a resident of Siteki, and is a very bumpy 30 minute drive from the Good Shepherd Hospital. But only a few days ago, Sifiso's has begun a career as his area's local candle-maker! Sifiso's mother has been bringing in her two sons to see Dr. Pons since the early days of the eye clinic. Sadly, Both he and his brother Beggi have had vision loss since birth, and despite the clinic's best efforts, suffers from severe visual impairment (less than 5/60 visual acuity). When Sifiso was a young boy, he started school at St. Joseph's school for the disabled, a 100 year old Christian mission. Under the supervision of Sister Stephani, these students take classes including math, Braille and English. In addition, they also learn practical skills such as candle-making and fence-wiring. Sifiso became very competent at making candles, which is the most common source of light in his community. Once he graduated from school last year, Sifiso has been struggling find work from home, where employment opportunities are already very limited. When he visited us for a check-up this year, he has been struggling to keep busy and help maintain his household. Yet, if he had a source of income, he will be able to contribute greatly to his family. This is why the Good Shepherd Eye Clinic decided to buy a candle making press for the young man, a life changing purchase far beyond Sifiso's reach. With the help of Sister Stephani, we have been able to hire the same engineers to manufacture a press similar to the one that Sifiso had learnt to make candles at St. Josephs. The process to create the simple white candles involve simple tools with the solid steel press, so Sifiso will be able to make an income from his production for years to come. After the initial gift of 10 kg of wax, Sifiso can use his profits to purchase more supplies and sustain his production.
It will be a very challenging time for Sifiso; starting off as a young entrepreneur is a daunting task in any country. In addition to the new income that he will bring to his mother and brother, Sifiso role in his rural community will dramatically change. With a practical and essential skill that he can provide for his neighbours, the acceptance of his and his younger brother's disability comes hand in hand. We are glad to play a role in this family's life, and we pray that Sifiso's new enterprise will be a shining light in his community!
Sifiso's new candle maker (19/6/2013)
Finding employment in rural southern Africa can be very challenging for any young Swaziland resident. With an unemployment rate of 40% and 69% of the population below the poverty line, many Swaziland residents cannot even afford the bus fare into town. With no source of income, the only way to feed your family is to grow food at home. However, suffering from vision loss will greatly complicate an already difficult life. The traditional Swazi belief is that blindness is a curse, and that the affected are being punished for their sins. Some community members may be uncooperative, avoiding contact with the entire family. This was the reality for Sifiso, a resident of Siteki, and is a very bumpy 30 minute drive from the Good Shepherd Hospital. But only a few days ago, Sifiso's has begun a career as his area's local candle-maker! Sifiso's mother has been bringing in her two sons to see Dr. Pons since the early days of the eye clinic. Sadly, Both he and his brother Beggi have had vision loss since birth, and despite the clinic's best efforts, suffers from severe visual impairment (less than 5/60 visual acuity). When Sifiso was a young boy, he started school at St. Joseph's school for the disabled, a 100 year old Christian mission. Under the supervision of Sister Stephani, these students take classes including math, Braille and English. In addition, they also learn practical skills such as candle-making and fence-wiring. Sifiso became very competent at making candles, which is the most common source of light in his community. Once he graduated from school last year, Sifiso has been struggling find work from home, where employment opportunities are already very limited. When he visited us for a check-up this year, he has been struggling to keep busy and help maintain his household. Yet, if he had a source of income, he will be able to contribute greatly to his family. This is why the Good Shepherd Eye Clinic decided to buy a candle making press for the young man, a life changing purchase far beyond Sifiso's reach. With the help of Sister Stephani, we have been able to hire the same engineers to manufacture a press similar to the one that Sifiso had learnt to make candles at St. Josephs. The process to create the simple white candles involve simple tools with the solid steel press, so Sifiso will be able to make an income from his production for years to come. After the initial gift of 10 kg of wax, Sifiso can use his profits to purchase more supplies and sustain his production.
It will be a very challenging time for Sifiso; starting off as a young entrepreneur is a daunting task in any country. In addition to the new income that he will bring to his mother and brother, Sifiso role in his rural community will dramatically change. With a practical and essential skill that he can provide for his neighbours, the acceptance of his and his younger brother's disability comes hand in hand. We are glad to play a role in this family's life, and we pray that Sifiso's new enterprise will be a shining light in his community!
New lasers (26/1/2013)
After much effort on the part of an international team, the Good Shepherd Hospital Eye Clinic has been fortunate enough to receive 3 new lasers. This is the culmination of a remarkable project involving many wonderful people. I would like to thank everyone for their involvement:
Dr. Tim (Sunderland) and Dr. Hadi (London) who spotted the lasers rusticating in corners
The National Health Service (England) for donating the lasers
Tim for his communication skills which assisted in us attaining the equipment
Peter Coleman for his problem-solving skills
Doug Choice from DHL for aiding with the shipping
Tony Dance from Stadium Packaging for properly packing the lasers
David Tyers for paying for the whole operation
Ashley Patton at the Good Shepherd Eye Clinic for coordinating the administrative side
Sibongile at the Good Shepherd Hospital who extracted the Government documents
Thanks again to the international team for all your hard work and incredible effort to help make this dream a reality. We look forward to using the lasers!
New retinal camera (5/12/2013)
The Good Shepherd Hospital Eye Clinic would like to send a big thank you to Dr. Matthew Tennant of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for his generous donation of a retinal camera. This new piece of equipment will allow us to make great strides in understanding and tackling the problem of diabetic retinopathy. We are so thankful for this piece of equipment and for the support of donors like Dr. Tennant whose continued support allows us to provide world-class eye care to the people of Swaziland.
Lions Club grant (5/12/2013)
The Good Shepherd Hospital Eye Clinic would like to say a big thank you to the Manzini Lions Club for their E20,000 grant! Their contribution will help to provide life changing surgery and restore sight to some of the poorest people in the world.
