Elizabeth Aluel Dut, a resident of Lakes State in South Sudan, credits a free eye surgery campaign with transforming her life. After regaining sight in her left eye last year, she is now back at Rumbek State Hospital for treatment of her second eye. Aluel's eyesight deteriorated due to her work making locally brewed alcohol and sewing bedsheets by hand, which she believes caused her eye problems. Her condition worsened over time, making everyday activities challenging.
Aluel's vision loss made routine household tasks difficult, particularly when her older children were at school and she was caring for her younger ones. She struggled to move around the house and prepare meals, often needing assistance. Aluel was not born blind but developed the condition later in life. She learned about a free eye surgery campaign last year and visited the hospital, where she received treatment. The successful operation on her left eye allowed her to see again and resume activities she previously struggled with.
Aluel expressed gratitude for the free treatment and hopes the next operation will further improve her vision, enabling her to manage her daily activities more easily. Her experience comes as Rumbek State Hospital launches a new 10-day eye surgery campaign, offering free screening, cataract operations, and other eye care services to residents of Lakes State. The campaign, which began on October 28 and will run until November 8, aims to reach over 400 patients.
Dr. Hellen Atti Vuni, a cataract surgeon at Juba Teaching Hospital and team leader of the medical mission, explained that the team will focus primarily on cataract surgery and other minor procedures. She urged residents experiencing eye problems to visit the hospital for screening, as surgery is not suitable for every eye condition. Patients must be examined to determine whether they qualify for treatment. Vuni also encouraged residents to share information about the campaign with people in nearby communities who may need eye care services.
Following surgery, patients receive medication and instructions on how to protect their eyes during recovery. The medical team advises them to avoid alcohol and smoking, limit unnecessary physical activity, and follow medical guidance to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Teran Madit Teran, Director General of the Lakes State Ministry of Health, said the initiative aims to bring essential medical services closer to communities. He urged residents to take advantage of the campaign, noting that eligible services will be provided free of charge.
The eye surgery camp is part of a series of health campaigns planned for the state, including a recent cleft lip surgery campaign and a fistula surgery campaign expected in November. Mary Adut of CUAMM (Doctors with Africa), the implementing partner, said the eye surgery camp is the first to be conducted under a new initiative known as the Support Rumbek State Hospital project. The new project is funded by CBM, with the current campaign marking its first eye care initiative.
Health authorities and their partners are urging residents experiencing eye problems to visit Rumbek State Hospital during the campaign for assessment and treatment. Eligible patients will receive the relevant services free of charge. For Aluel, the prospect of treatment for her second eye offers hope of greater independence after years of struggling with poor vision.
Key points
- A free eye surgery campaign in South Sudan's Lakes State has restored the independence of Elizabeth Aluel Dut, who regained sight in her left eye and is now seeking treatment for her second eye.
- The campaign, which will run until November 8, aims to reach over 400 patients and provide free screening, cataract operations, and other eye care services.
- The initiative is part of a series of health campaigns planned for the state, including cleft lip and fistula surgery campaigns.
