The George Hospital's ophthalmology team has done 267 cataract surgery operations during the past five weeks as part of the annual cataract surgery marathon in Eden and Central Karoo.

A further 180 patients are still to be treated over the next few weeks in Mossel Bay, Oudsthoorn and Riversdale.

The team, consisting of an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) and nurses, operated in George on World Sight Day, 11 October and has already been to Beaufort West, Knysna, Uniondale and Ladismith in the first four weeks of the marathon.

A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye which obstructs the passage of light. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in South Africa (over 50%) and for most patients it can be reversed.

A few local ophthalmologists in private practice volunteered their time for the marathon. The Lions and Rotary Clubs have also made it possible as they helped sponsor the cost of the operations.