Cataract patients being line up for eye surgery at a health facility in Akobo County. (Photo: Courtesy).

A national charity foundation has started a free eye surgery campaign for cataract cases in Akobo county of Jonglei State.

The eye surgery camp started on November 18 at Akobo Hospital, and targets at least 500 cases of cataracts – a leading cause of blindness in the country.

Gatluak Malual, one of the doctors said the initiative has already treated 96 cataract patients and 76 case of astigmatism – a condition that causes blurry vision.

“We will be camping here for a week and we’re now on our third day. Up to now, we covered 96 cataracts and 76 T& T cases. People of Akobo are happy about this one-week Eye camp,” said Malual.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, or see the expression on a friend’s face.

According to Research Gate, the leading causes of blindness in South Sudan are cataract which accounts for 42%, and trachoma (35.3%).

The Eye Camp is organized by the Tuac Riak Gai Foundation and funded by Concerned Women and Girls in the Office of the First Lady. It will end on November 25.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Malual added that there is a good response from the patients.

“We have had good responses from people in the area and they requested to extend the camp we have a good number of doctors and nurses here with good cooperation of the community in Akobo.”

Some of the patients express their happiness for regaining their sight.

Deng Reath, a resident of Akobo says he is able to see well after suffering from cataract for a year.

“Now I am happy after the operation, and now I can see well,” he said.

“I hope that the team will stay here and treat the rest of the patients who were unable to attend the Eye week camp.”

Another beneficiary is Yohanis Gai, an elderly man, who has had short eye sight for two years.

“When my girls learned about the camp, they brought me here, where I was now able to undergo the operation, and I am now happy to have my eyesight back.”

“After she finished the operation, I now see trees, children, and women., and I am happy.”