Exxaro’s R15m helps bring cataract surgery within reach in Limpopo
MODIMOLLE — At Hope for the Blind in Limpopo, fees from patients who can afford specialist eye care help pay for cataract surgery for those who cannot. Exxaro Resources helped the nonprofit hospital acquire R15 million worth of medical equipment for its work. Ophthalmologist Dr Precious Phatudi says the diagnostic equipment has helped the team assist close to 3,000 patients across its eye care services.
From an eye examination to surgery
The hospital took more than a decade to move from planning and fundraising to opening its doors in 2022. Just outside Modimolle in the Waterberg, it has an eye clinic and two specialist day theatres. Patients can have their sight assessed there and, if the examination shows they need cataract surgery, return to the same facility for the operation.
“In ophthalmology, diagnostic equipment is extremely costly,” Phatudi said. Exxaro worked with nonprofit partner Aga Setchaba to help fund the equipment. The nearly 3,000 patients Phatudi counts include people who received diagnostic care. Among those who went on to have surgery were three patients whose sight was restored after cataract removal, as Eyewitness News reported in September 2025.
How patients reach the subsidised list
For a Waterberg resident who cannot afford private treatment, the starting point is usually the nearest government clinic or hospital. Hope for the Blind says it draws most of its subsidised patients from waiting lists. It also assesses patients with no income for a separate list funded by external donors. Once a patient qualifies for that list, the timing of surgery depends on when a sponsor becomes available.
Patients who choose to book directly need a referral from a doctor or optometrist. The hospital lists an initial private consultation fee and discusses any further costs with the patient before proceeding. Its reception team handles appointments on 014 940 7020 or at reception@hopefortheblind.org.
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