Gida sees again after life-changing surgery

A WOMAN, 73, who has been unable to see for years due to advanced cataract, can now see again – thanks to the YWAM Medical Ships’ ophthalmology (eye surgery) team.
Gida Aikung, of Morobe, was one of the 77 eye surgery patients who benefited from the free 20-minute cataract surgeries.
Aikung had been blind for four years and was heavily dependent on family members for her every day needs.
Director and ophthalmic consultant at the Pacific International Hospital Dr Amyna Sultan she was delighted with the results of the surgeries.
“The combination of both our resources and personnel has achieved fantastic results. We look forward to continuing our important partnership with YWAM, as we combat blindness in rural PNG.”
There were 853 people who received optometry assessment for sight-enhancing glasses.
According to the National Prevention of Blindness Committee, a 2017 report revealed that untreated cataracts – the clouding of the lens in the eye with age – is the primary cause of reversible blindness in PNG.
It accounts for 88.6 per cent of blindness, affecting 5.6 per cent of people aged 50 years or older.
It means that around 40,000 people are unnecessarily blind due to lack of awareness and access to cataract surgery.
YWAM Medical Ships managing director Ken Mulligan said the successful outreach as a team effort.