For 28-year-old Tura Vaka-Akatika, seeing his children's faces and smiles again was his reason for embarking on his journey of weight loss and why he never lost hope.
In need of corneal graft surgery to help improve his sight, Tura was referred to Module 6, Ophthalmology, but with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 55, he first needed to lose weight to reduce the risk associated with surgery.
With the help of a new initiative that started in 2023, Tura was able to get his BMI down to 48 and go ahead with his surgery.
The initiative involves our Ophthalmology team working closely with our Surgical and Medical Bariatric Services and the New Zealand Eye Bank to help patients make lifestyle changes and reduce their BMI so they can receive their surgery.
“I was given a weight loss plan. I made a goal for myself to stick to this plan and I was able to accomplish it.”
Tura tells us that, for him, having a reason to keep motivated was important.
“Whether it is seeing your children, parents’ or siblings’ faces and smiles again, or just being able to do something you love, that’s the reason to never lose hope but look forward to better vision.”
Service Manager Gene Jeon says he is proud of the team and Tura and the outcome they achieved.
“This collaboration between services speaks to our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our patients. We want to celebrate Tura's incredible journey.”
Ashita Singh, Corneal Transplant Nurse Coordinator, tells us that it is fulfilling to collaborate with such dedicated professionals and to be able to see their patients achieve their outcomes and regain their vision.”
Tura hopes his experience will encourage others to focus on staying healthy through weight loss programmes and increase awareness among New Zealanders for eye donation.
“I give thanks to God, my wife and the nurses and doctors who were with me during this time.”
“If I can do it, you can do it, we can do it. 100%!”
