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Eighty-three patients aged between 50 and 97 will now be able to do their day-to-day activities such as seeing the sunrise or reading a book after getting their vision restored at Tshwane District Hospital.
This is through the hospital's two-week Cataract Surgical Marathon which took place from 07 – 17 October 2024 as part of observing Eye Care Awareness Month. Eye Care Awareness Month was observed from 20 September to 17 October 2024 to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.
The hospital's cataract surgery marathon is an annual event that the facility conducts with the aim assisting patients needing eye surgery. In January this year, the hospital was had a waiting list of 764 cataract operations which has now been reduced 150. Since January this year the hospital has conducted more than 620 cataract surgeries. 
A cataract extraction (surgery) is a quick and painless surgery to remove a cloudy lens that is causing visual impairment and replace it with an artificial one. The main aim of cataract surgical marathon is to restore the dignity of people by providing much needed eye restoration especially the elderly, improve patient outcomes through quality eye care services and educate the patients about eye care. 
Adam Mokoena (51) from Soshanguve is one of 83 patients who underwent a cataract extraction at the hospital to have his vision restored. This was Mokoena's second procedure at the hospital as he had his left eye's vision restored first a few months ago, enabling him to see properly and be able to read without much struggle. 
"I had problems with my eyes, and I was told that I have cataract on both my eyes and that the only treatment was through a surgical procedure. They started first with my left eye and my vision was instantly improved. I was no longer struggling to read.
"And now that I have done the second surgery for my right eye, I am now looking forward to seeing clearly with both eyes. I would like to thank the surgical team at this hospital for their excellent service. I have no complaints but gratitude for having restored my vision," said Mokoena.
Another grateful beneficiary who had the gift of sight is Mapule Makawane who is an elderly woman said that she struggled with blurred vision and found it hard to read or enjoy her daily activities. 
"I am hopeful that now my world will be vibrant and clear. The staff was incredibly supportive, and the entire process was smooth. Being part of the surgical marathon made me feel like a champion. I'm so grateful for the care I received," said Makawane.