Vision Restored: The heartwarming story of Saroj Naicker and her Christmas miracle
Ophthalmologist Dr Kavitha Naidu with her patient Saroj Naicker, who received cataract removal, pro-bono, which was a part of initiative piloted by Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, in conjunction with the Into the Light Foundation
Image: Supplied
The spirit of Christmas made an early appearance for 63-year-old Saroj Naicker, who lost her eyesight in one eye when she was 16 years old, and at 40, she developed a cataract in her other eye.
Naicker had the cataract removed from her previously good eye this week, and vision is returning after the procedure.
Her procedure was conducted pro bono by ophthalmologist Dr Kavitha Naidu at the Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, as part of the facility's initiative in partnership with the Into the Light Foundation to provide recipients with the gift of vision.
“A series of unsuccessful procedures left my parents financially burdened, so I eventually decided to accept my situation,” Naicker said about losing her sight in one eye during her teenage years.
Saroj Naicker with the Lenmed team at Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre
Image: Supplied
Naicker's struggles without sight were accommodated in the cataract treatment campaign that assisted 21 patients, over a two-week period, with life-changing eye surgery at Lenmed.
“My vision is already coming back after the procedure; I can’t thank the staff at Lenmed enough. Their compassion and kindness reminded me that there are still good people in the world,” she said.
For Dr Naidu, being able to bring dignity to elderly people left with few alternatives was the most fulfilling part of her career. She described her profession as a calling.
Not only was her father, Dr TL Naidu, a respected ophthalmologist, but she has lived with the reality of blindness since her daughter was born blind.
“I know it sounds unbelievable, but this is literally what I was destined to do; it’s not like I had a choice,” she said.
Her daughter is currently writing her matric exams, and according to Naidu, she is her life’s work, and couldn’t be prouder of her daughter.
The facility's CEO, Niresh Bechan, said the partnership with the Into the Light Foundation was one of several collaborations with NPOs aimed at helping those in need within communities.
“We understand the complexities of the healthcare sector, and we are happy that we can do our part to bring quality healthcare to South Africans.
"Initiatives like these speak to the heart of Lenmed’s vision of building healthier and more prosperous communities.”
Bechan also commended Dr Naidu and her staff for being sterling examples of their commitment to caring for the communities they serve.
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