{
  "id": 19144565,
  "title": "DIABETES | Gauteng woman fears losing remaining sight while waiting for eye surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/diabetes-gauteng-woman-fears-losing-remaining-sight-while-waiting-for",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T11:32:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Health-e News",
    "slug": "health-e-news",
    "url": "https://health-e.org.za/2026/11/09/diabetes-gauteng-woman-fears-losing-remaining-sight-while-waiting-for-eye-surgery/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 60-year-old woman from Meriting informal settlement in Lenasia South is worried she may lose her remaining sight due to diabetes complications. Ayanda Ndlovu, who has Type 2 diabetes, already lost sight in her right eye while waiting for specialist care between 2022 and 2024. Her left eye's vision continues to deteriorate as she waits for cataract surgery at St John’s Eye Hospital. Ndlovu was diagnosed with bilateral diabetic retinopathy in 2022 and also has a cataract in her left eye. She has been waiting for cataract surgery since 2024, but the procedure has been delayed due to issues like unavailable lenses, equipment shortages, and unclear scheduling. Ndlovu relies on her son and caregiver for daily tasks and hospital visits. Experts warn that early detection, good blood sugar control, and regular eye check-ups are crucial for preventing further vision loss in diabetic patients.",
  "summary": "Health-e News DIABETES | Gauteng woman fears losing remaining sight while waiting for eye surgery A 60-year-old woman from Meriting informal settlement in Lenasia South fears losing her remaining eyesight after developing eye complications associated with diabetes. Ayanda Ndlovu*, who has Type 2 diabetes, lost sight in her right eye after her vision deteriorated while waiting for specialist care…",
  "key_points": [
    "60-year-old woman from Meriting settlement fears losing remaining sight.",
    "Diabetic retinopathy and cataract in left eye cause vision deterioration.",
    "Surgery delayed due to equipment shortages and unclear scheduling."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}