22-04-2025
Sensation of sight celebrated in Modimolle
This visionary private institution, a ground-breaking initiative in South Africa, tackles the pressing issue of preventable blindness in Limpopo's rural areas.
The doccie followed the emotional journey of patients who have already been helped at the hospital, from the struggles of blindness to the joy of sight regained. Thousands of people in Limpopo live with visual impairment due to untreated cataracts – clouding of the eye's lens – leading to complete blindness and leaving only the perception of light. This condition can be reversed through a simple surgical procedure to remove the cataract and implant an artificial lens. Resulting, in restored eyesight in just one day.
Limpopo put its best foot forward for a spectacular opening that befits its Hope for the Blind (HFTB), a non-profit eye hospital based in Modimolle. This medical breakthrough institution in the Waterberg region will deliver unique vision services to help minimise the growing medical shortfalls countrywide.
The hospital – an impressive example of nation collaboration and science and art uniquely joining hands – was applauded by the VIPS and guests attending the gala opening. It coincided with the opening of the art gallery at the hospital.
'I'm just totally in awe when human beings take the time, effort, and energy to use their God-given skills to create goodness. All of us, as human beings, should stand in awe of that. Because truthfully, only a few of us actually do it in life,' said the honourable Justice Dikgang Moseneke, retired deputy chief justice of South Africa.
According to him 'Hope for the Blind reminds all of us – and our nation – of the importance of accepting that we have varied skills, different appearances, and diverse backgrounds and upbringings. But at the core of it all is a shared humanity: good, worthy, and deserving of our respect, protection, and support'.
The Hope for the Blind Trust was founded by ophthalmologists and medical personnel working and trained in the Limpopo province, under the leadership of local eye specialist Dr. Frits Stegmann.
The hospital welcomes donations directly and thus helping restore sight to those in need, delivered at a reduced rate of R18 000 per cataract surgery covering all surgical and material expenses. Supporters can also contribute by buying artwork from the First Light portfolio.
The inaugural First Light Art Exhibition was part of the grand opening. It includes over R1 million worth of art by key South African artists including William Kentridge and Nelson Makamo. The exhibition will run until 14 May 2025 at the HFTB Hospital.
The First Light documentary shown on Saturday will premiere online on Friday, 18 April 2025 and will be showcased with the art works at the Latitudes Art Fair in Johannesburg from 23 – 25 May 2025.
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