Al-Qalam 
By Al Qalam Reporter
Fifteen cataract sufferers had their gift of sight restored recently when two Muslim charity groups – The Caring Sisters Network together with the Islamic Medical Association (IMA), provided free procedures – all part of a Mandela Day Initiative of giving and uplifting those less fortunate.
And on top of this, the IMA also facilitated some 400 free eye tests for both the elderly and the youth. The tests were conducted at the IMA Optometry Clinics within the Mariannhill and Malagazi region. Each elderly patient was also given a free pair of reading spectacles as well as a blanket to keep warm this chilly winter.
The Cataract operations were done at the McCord’s Hospital in Durban and all patients were pre-selected.
One of the recipients of the free procedure, Graham Cook, said: “I have been going up and down to McCord’s Hospital for many years and have been on the waiting list for about 3-4 years. I am deeply appreciative of the assistance received, I am doing well and my vision is so much better now.”
Yusuf Soni, another patient who had cataract procedure, said: “After suffering with cloudy hazy vision for so many years, I am grateful and thankful to the Caring Sisters Network and the Islamic Medical Association for allowing me to get my vision back. I am pleased and appreciative of this gesture, my vision is good and I am full of joy.”
Meanwhile, the Caring Sisters Network, a division of the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET), gave out a further 200 Blankets to the homeless in various areas – a total 600 blankets handed out.
‘‘Honouring Madiba implies honouring what he taught us – that by giving back to our community we are able to manifest the true spirit of Ubuntu,” said Yasiera Mahomed Suliman, chairperson of the Caring Sisters Network.
