After losing his farm and fortune in Zimbabwe, widower Ken Hampson (92) had his faith restored in humanity when he visited Alberlito eye surgeon and opthamologist, Dr Malcolm Carey.
Ken lives with his children and felt like a terrible burden to them, because of his bad eyesight.
“I had cataracts on both my eyes. I was almost blind, but I could not afford to pay for surgery.” said Hampson, holding his grey Jack Russell, Chummy, close.
“Dr Carey helped me. he fixed both my eyes, gave me medication, the lot at no charge. He has given me the opportunity to see again. I cannot find words to describe my gratitude and nothing I can do would be enough to thank him. It is a miracle.”
Despite an intensive campaign by the government to reduce cataract blindness, thousands are suffering from the condition because many people do not realise it is treatable and there are long waiting lists for the procedure.
Over the past 5 years Dr Carey, Netcare Alberlito Hospital and a group of anaesthetists have teamed up in a project to undertake site restoring operations for disadvantaged cataract sufferers during Eye Care Awareness Month, which runs from the 21st of September to the 18th of October. Netcare Alberlito Hospital Cover the costs of the operations, including theatre time and medication.
Anaesthetists Beck, Danchin and partners provided their time and expertise free of charge while Alcon, a global medical company specialising in eye care products, provide all the lenses. Genop Healthcare donated consumables for the procedures.
Dr Carey provides his surgical services gratis to elected patients, who he screens annually.
