23/04/2026
Xolisa Mkholiswa, 32, is a case near and dear to the hearts of all of us at Grace Vision.
In 2024, Xolisa lost his sight to dense cataracts in both eyes, leaving him completely blind. A young man with a full life ahead of him, he was forced to leave behind the future he had been building in Cape Town and return home to the Eastern Cape after losing not only his vision, but also his independence, confidence, and sense of dignity.
When we first met Xolisa, the emotional toll was clear. Before surgery, he spent time with the Grace Vision team in counselling, speaking honestly about the disappointment, rejection, and anger he had carried since losing his sight. And yet, even in that pain, there was still hope. Xolisa told us that if he could see again, he wanted to get his PDP and become a driver.
This weekend, through the support of Blind Loyalty and the incredible work of Amanda Cromhout, Xolisa received the surgery he needed.
The next day, as his patch came off, the room was filled with anticipation. Then came the moment everything changed. Joy flooded in. Tears filled the eyes of those around him as Xolisa, once so weighed down by defeat, rose from his seat with confidence and embraced the team around him.
Now, Xolisa can look ahead again. He can pursue a future again. He can begin reclaiming the life that blindness tried to take from him.
Because restoring sight means restoring hope, dignity, and the chance to dream again.
Amanda Cromhout