Medlane Restores Sight and Hope in Nata-Gweta
A new eye health initiative in the Nata-Gweta region is bringing hope to elderly residents who have long struggled with vision loss. In partnership with Kerala Samajam Botswana, the Nata-Gweta Constituency and MedLane Day Hospital, a dedicated cataract screening camp has recently concluded, identifying dozens of people in need of surgical treatment. Cataract is a common eye condition in which the lens becomes clouded, making it difficult for the patient to see clearly.
The condition affects people of all ages but is more prevalent among those over 50, with the likelihood increasing as people grow older. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. However, the condition is reversible through a simple surgical procedure that replaces the affected lens with a clear artificial one, restoring normal vision. To address this growing health concern, the team behind the Nata-Gweta screening programme plans to perform 50 cataract surgeries at MedLane Day Hospital in Gaborone in the coming week. The project aims to restore sight and independence to many elderly people who have had limited or no access to specialised eye care.
The initiative also supports ongoing efforts by the government and the Ministry of Health to reduce the backlog of cataract cases across Botswana. For most beneficiaries, the upcoming surgeries represent more than the restoration of vision. They offer a renewed sense of self-reliance, the ability to return to daily routines and the chance to reconnect with family and community life. Organisers say the project is not only restoring sight but also revitalising communities.