Riot Hlatshwayo

Riot Hlatshwayo

The sharp mind of a nursing sister has helped identify and deal with what could have been a catastrophe inschools in Mpumalanga.

Nearly 50 pupils at Maphakama Primary School, at Nkohlakalo near White River, might be infected with a severe eye infection that could result in blindness in a few years if it is not treated promptly.

The problem was discovered by Carol Mgwenya, an ophthalmic nurse and refractionist.

Mgwenya worked at Themba Hospital where, after scanning her monthly statistics, she realised that most of the patients treated for eye conditions were schoolchildren.

"I am interacting with the health authorities to arrange medical treatment for the pupils at the school," Mgwenya said.

She called on parents to check their children's eyes for problems.

The principal of Maphakama Primary, Mfunwa Ndlovu, said his school was fortunate to have someone of Mgwenya's calibre checking on the children's health.

"This is about the future of our children and I am personally excited that our school was one of the first the nursing sister decided to visit," Ndlovu said.