02. Who are we?
Cataracts in children – preventable but all too common
World Sight Day – 10 October 2013
Cataract is not only a problem for the elderly – it is the leading cause of blindness in children. In fact about half of the 25,000 blind children in
South Africa lost their sight because of untreated cataract.
Yet cataract in children is treatable and should not cause blindness if detected early enough. Not-for-profit organisation ORBIS is committed to preventing blindness globally and is active in South Africa to ensure children receive medical treatment timeously.
ORBIS recommends consulting a medical professional immediately should you notice the following in your child’s eye:
• Whiteness or opaqueness in the iris or pupil
• White spot/s
• Any signs that your child cannot see well
For expert information or to support ORBIS in the fight to save sight visit www.orbis.org.za / www.facebook.com/ORBIS-SA / 021 447 7135 / info@orbis.org.za.
(Image: Theresa Mulenga age 12. Photographer – Geoff Oliver Bugbee)