VAROMUE Wilson, 69, had her cataract completely cured yesterday.
This was made possible through surgery performed by the visiting “Bright Journey” Medical Mission from Guangdong Province, China, which is in Fiji for a week-long program.
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision.
This year marks 10 years since the “Bright Journey” initiative began its work in Fiji, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China–Fiji diplomatic relations.
To commemorate these milestones, the team is inviting members of the public suffering from cataracts to visit their free clinic in Suva.
Speaking to the media after her surgery, Ms Wilson said she began to notice her eyesight deteriorating around July this year, when her vision gradually became blurry.
“We came to see this doctor for a review and were asked to come back again because of this team from China. We had no idea we would be chosen to take part in this surgery. The Lord chose it,” she said.
“I remember when I began to have this cataract, I needed people to hold onto me when I went out.”
She expressed her gratitude to God and the medical team for restoring her sight, saying her vision had significantly improved and that she looked forward to seeing her granddaughter, Daisy.
It will take up to a month to fully recover, and Ms Wilson is being advised not to come into direct contact with her eyes.
The advanced surgical technique used by the Chinese team restores vision within minutes, offering a life-changing solution for patients suffering from cataracts.
Minister for Health, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, said Fiji currently lacked both the equipment and specialised expertise to perform such advanced procedures and encouraged Fijians across the country to take advantage of the visiting surgical team’s services.
The “Bright Journey” medical team is based at the Pacific Eye Institute along Brown Street, Suva, beside the CWM Hospital, throughout their mission.
