By Zoliswa Nzeku​
Having lived for over 9 decades, Khukhuza Esau Mdhluli of Wattville near Benoni has overcome many adversities in his lifetime but it is his recent triumph that has rekindled hope and restored his independence.
The 92-year-old elderly man cannot stop expressing his gratitude to the Ophthalmology team at Tambo Memorial Hospital for the work they did in helping to restore his gift of vision.
In a display of thankfulness for heartfelt compassion and medical excellence, Mdhluli recently paid a special visit to Tambo Memorial Hospital to personally thank Dr Agnes Risko Kenyeres, the esteemed Head of Ophthalmology at the facility for the profound impact of her work.  
Mdhluli had embarked on a journey from darkness back into the light, overcoming blindness under Dr Kenyeres and her team's expert care. The elderly man thanked the team for their timeous interventions that enabled him to have his eyesight restored thus improving his well-being. 
From their first meeting, Dr. Kenyeres recognised the urgency of Mdhluli's situation and immediately scheduled him for cataract surgery. His right eye was operated in July 2023 as part of the Gauteng Department of Health's surgical marathon campaign. This marked beginning of his remarkable recovery. A similar procedure on his left eye completed the transformation fully restoring his sight. 
"When the cotton wool was removed from my eye, I could see again. It was an amazing moment after years of darkness. Being able to regain my independence, such as cooking for myself, signifies not only the restoration of my vision but also the restoration of my dignity. Dr. Kenyeres' dedication and expertise have transformed my life for the better," said Mdhluli.
Dr Kenyeres, who received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award from the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) in 2023 at their 55th annual national congress in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has shown unwavering commitment to advancing eye health and enhancing the well-being of her patients in the Ekurhuleni community. Aiming to perform up to 75 cataract operations a month, she is making a significant difference in the lives of many.
In response to the gratitude expressed by her patients, Dr Kenyeres remained humble. "I am overwhelmed but I know I couldn't have done this without my team and the unwavering support of the hospital management. Seeing our patients regain their ability to live fully through the restoration of their sight is rewarding," she commented.
Another patient who further testified of the impact the work of Dr Kenyeres  and he team on him is Kenneth Musi. He praised Dr Kenyeres for her swift action in treating his impaired vision and preventing further deterioration by referring him to another specialist in Benoni. "The doctor and her team prioritised my case, providing the essential interventions that ultimately restored my vision," he said.