Caring Sisters Network (CSN) Official Handover of Ophthalmic Equipment – McCord Provincial Eye Hospital

“The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

As Mandela Month reminds us of the importance of service, compassion and collaboration, yesterday(Wednesday 28 July 2026) marked a meaningful milestone in serving humanity through healthcare.

Alhamdulillah, the Caring Sisters Network (CSN) officially handed over specialised ophthalmic equipment, valued at over R250,000, to McCord Provincial Eye Hospital.

This donation forms part of a longstanding partnership between the Caring Sisters Network, the Islamic Medical Association (Durban Branch) and McCord Provincial Eye Hospital, united by a shared commitment to preserving vision, restoring sight and improving access to quality eye care for those most in need.

As an optometrist who has had the privilege of serving the KwaMashu and Inanda communities for the past 30 years, this programme holds a very special place in my heart.

I have referred countless patients with advanced cataracts to the public healthcare sector, only to see many waiting 18 months or sometimes even longer for sight-restoring surgery.

Many simply wish to see the faces of their loved ones again, read their religious books once more, or regain the independence that most of us often take for granted.

Witnessing the impact of delayed treatment on patients and their families strengthened my commitment to the Gift of Sight Programme and to building partnerships that bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

In addition to supporting ongoing cataract surgeries through the Gift of Sight Programme, this specialised equipment will assist in the early detection and management of sight-threatening eye diseases, helping to preserve vision and improve the quality of life for countless patients for many years to come.

The handover was a beautiful reminder that meaningful healthcare extends far beyond the consulting room. When healthcare professionals, humanitarian organisations and compassionate donors unite, we create sustainable solutions that restore sight, preserve dignity and transform lives.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr K. Moodley, Dr S.R. Naidoo, Dr Lauren Daniels, Dr Neville Chelin, the entire Ophthalmology Department, and the management of McCord Provincial Eye Hospital for their professionalism, dedication and continued partnership. It is truly an honour to work alongside such an exceptional team.

To every donor who contributed towards this project, JazakalalhuKhayran. Your generosity is already changing lives. Every patient who benefits from this equipment is, Insha Allah, a source of ongoing Sadaqah Jaariyah for you.

Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“Whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all of mankind.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

Together, we remain committed to one shared vision:
Preserving Vision. Restoring Sight. Changing Lives.

Because restoring sight is about far more than vision…
It’s about restoring dignity, independence and hope.

Yasiera Mahomed Suliman
-Chairperson – Caring Sisters Network
-Coordinator – Gift of Sight Programme (IMASA Durban & CSN)