A Clearer View of Life: The Gift of Sight Through Compassionate Care
By Chelsea Morford
There are moments that remind us just how much of life we take for granted. The ability to read a message, recognise a familiar face, thread a needle or move through the world with confidence is something many of us rarely stop to consider. Yet, for someone living with impaired vision, these everyday experiences can become increasingly difficult.
Spending two days alongside Dr Bhavna Jugadoe, specialist ophthalmologist and member of the 2026 KZN Top Business Women cohort, offered a powerful reminder of the difference compassionate healthcare can make. Invited to observe five free cataract surgeries and the subsequent post-operative check-ups, a member of the KZN Top Business team witnessed not only the extraordinary precision of eye surgery, but also the deeply human moments that make this work so meaningful.
It was an experience filled with gratitude, humility and an appreciation for the gift of sight.
Five surgeries, five opportunities for a brighter future
Through the 2026 ITLF Free Cataract Surgery initiative, Dr Jugadoe performed five consecutive operations for patients referred from government hospitals who could not afford the procedure privately. Without this intervention, these individuals faced continuing vision impairment that could further affect their independence and quality of life.
Cataracts develop when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, haziness and reduced clarity. Commonly associated with ageing, cataracts can make everyday activities such as reading, sewing and recognising faces increasingly challenging. Surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens, often significantly improving vision.
Although cataract surgery is a common procedure, financial barriers can prevent people from accessing treatment when they need it. For these five patients, the initiative provided an opportunity to regain clearer sight and reconnect with aspects of everyday life that many of us barely notice.
One of the most moving moments came during the post-operative check-ups, when a woman expressed her joy at being able to see her sewing needle again. It was a simple statement, yet one that captured the significance of the initiative more powerfully than any statistic could.
For this patient, seeing a sewing needle again represented the return of an ability she valued and a familiar part of her daily life. It was a reminder that the impact of restored sight extends beyond clinical outcomes. It is also found in the small freedoms that allow people to continue doing what they love and participate more fully in their communities.
The skill behind the gift
Witnessing Dr Jugadoe at work in theatre revealed the remarkable concentration, coordination and technical expertise required to perform cataract surgery.
With one foot operating the microscope pedal, the other controlling the cataract machine, and both hands managing delicate surgical instruments, the procedure demands exceptional precision and sustained focus. Every movement must be deliberate, with the entire team working together to ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.
Working alongside Dr Jugadoe was her husband, Dr Lekha, an anaesthetist with whom she frequently collaborates. The theatre team also included scrub nurses Sister Suveshni Naidu and Sister Asothie Kistanna, and anaesthetic assistants Ntaby Mvelase and Mkhanysile Sokhela.
The experience offered a glimpse into the discipline and teamwork behind every procedure, as well as the trust patients place in healthcare professionals. Beyond the technical expertise, what stood out was the purpose behind the work: using specialised skills to make healthcare accessible to people who might otherwise go without it.
A collective effort, driven by compassion
The 2026 ITLF Free Cataract Surgery initiative was supported by Lenmed Hospital, Into The Light Foundation (ITLF), Oculate, Surgical & Ophthalmic Supplies (SOS), Geneye, Bausch + Lomb, Adcock Ingram and Alcon. Dr Jugadoe and Dr Lekha also contributed their expertise and time.
Each contribution formed part of a collective effort to remove financial barriers and provide patients with access to a procedure that could significantly improve their lives.
It is a powerful example of what can happen when medical professionals, healthcare facilities, suppliers and foundations work together towards a common purpose. For the recipients, the benefits extend beyond the operating theatre. Better vision can support independence, restore confidence and make everyday activities more accessible.
A commitment that extends beyond one day
For Dr Jugadoe, this initiative forms part of a broader commitment to eye health and community awareness. Each March, she and her team also offer free glaucoma screenings.
Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss, often without noticeable early symptoms. Regular screening is therefore important, as early detection and appropriate treatment can help protect remaining vision. Unlike cataracts, which can often be treated surgically to improve sight, damage caused by glaucoma cannot generally be reversed.
These initiatives reflect the importance of making eye care about more than treating a condition once it becomes severe. Education, prevention, early detection and access to treatment are all essential to protecting sight.
Dr Jugadoe operates from two private practices, based at Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre and Ribumed Day Hospital in Ballito. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to patient care, service excellence and the belief that health education should extend into the wider community.
A timely reminder to protect our sight
Observed annually on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day raises awareness of blindness and vision impairment, and it encourages individuals and communities to prioritise eye health.
Sight is one of our most precious senses, yet it is often overlooked until something begins to noticeably change. Regular eye examinations and timely medical attention can play an important role in protecting vision.
At KZN Top Business, we are proud to have Dr Bhavna Jugadoe as part of the 2026 KZN Top Business Women cohort. Her contribution reflects leadership that extends beyond professional achievement and into the lives of others.
The initiative was not simply about five operations. It was about five people being given an opportunity to see more clearly, reclaim parts of their everyday lives and experience the kindness of people who chose to give their time and expertise.
What an extraordinary gift, to help another see the world again.
