By Emmanuel Mandella

The Spanish ophthalmologists have begun a two-week free eye surgical service in Western Equatoria State.

The initiative, now in its fourth year, is a collaboration between the Ave Maria Catholic Mission and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle.

The program began with patient screenings at Yambio State Hospital, identifying individuals who needed surgical intervention.

The surgeries are conducted at St. Teresa Catholic National Hospital in Nzara County and the Ave Maria Health Center in Ngboko Source Yubu Payam.

Speaking to the media, Fr. Albert Salvan of the Missionary Community emphasized the mission’s focus on reaching rural populations who lack access to eye care due to financial constraints.

“We are targeting sectors that cannot afford surgery or treatment. Once a year, the team comes for two weeks to conduct screenings and surgeries,” he explained.

The medical team, led by Dr. Blanca García from Madrid, comprises four eye surgeons and an optometrist.

Dr. García highlighted the transformative impact of cataract surgeries, stating, “We want elderly people who have become blind to know they don’t have to remain this way; they can see again with these operations.”

Beyond immediate surgical care, the initiative aims to build local capacity by training South Sudanese clinical officers to become eye specialists. Fr. Salvan noted.

“Ordinary treatments should be handled by locally trained personnel. Specialists can then address the more complex cases during their annual visits.”

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio praised the Spanish doctors for their dedication to aiding vulnerable populations.

He urged those with eye problems to take advantage of the free services to regain their sight.