Napolo wasn’t aware that she was suffering from trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eye and the leading cause of blindness in areas with shortages of water and crowded living conditions. The bacteria spreads easily through contact with eye discharge from infected people on hands and clothing, and also through direct transmission by flies. 

If left untreated, trachoma causes the eyelids to turn inward, making the eyelashes rub painfully against the surface of the eye. This causes permanent scarring of the cornea and irreversible vision loss.  

Without access to regular health care, Napolo turned to traditional remedies. Her family members would pluck out her eyelashes to help ease the pain, but the relief never lasted. The irritation always returned, and over time, Napolo’s vision became worse.  

In her Maa community, many people had similar symptoms, and plucking one’s eyelashes out was considered normal. Health workers occasionally visited their community, but Napolo often missed them because she was always out looking after her animals, sometimes even crossing over the border to let the animals graze in Tanzania. She somehow managed despite her diminishing vision and increasing pain.  

One fateful day, an Operation Eyesight-trained Community Health Promoter visited Napolo’s home – and the visit changed everything. 

You see, for many years Operation Eyesight has been working to eliminate trachoma in communities like Napolo’s. Through the Kenya Trachoma Elimination Program, funded by Sightsavers International, Operation Eyesight and partners are working to eliminate trachoma in Narok West Sub-county and the entire country by 2028. With this support, and in collaboration with the Narok County Department of Health, we launched a door-to-door screening initiative to identify remaining cases of trachoma trichiasis – the painful late stage of the disease. We provided training and resources for local Community Health Promoters. They screen people in their communities and refer those in need of eye care to our nearest partner facility. 

During a community screening in November 2024, Napolo was identified and referred to Talek Health Centre, an outreach site that provides surgical treatment for trachoma patients. At the health centre, the ophthalmic team examined Napolo’s eyes and confirmed her diagnosis. 

Napolo agreed to undergo eyelid surgery to correct her inward-turned eyelids. The procedure was successful, and her recovery brought immense relief, preventing further damage to her eyes and preserving her remaining vision. 

“I have longed for this comfort for decades. There is no more discomfort, and I can open my eyes freely,” Napolo said. “I thank Operation Eyesight and the doctors who assisted me, and I will definitely refer anyone in my community that has the same problem so that they can be assisted.”  

Napolo’s story shows how access to quality eye care can transform lives. 

Did you know? Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness.   

Currently, 103 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of trachoma blindness, and presently 1.9 million people are experiencing vision impairment or blindness due to the disease.¹ It is found in 32 countries, in areas with shortages of clean water and crowded living conditions. Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is spread by eye-seeking flies and personal contact. Children and women are at particular risk. 

Operation Eyesight follows the World Health Organization-endorsed SAFE strategy, which has proven effective in eliminating trachoma. The SAFE strategy is a comprehensive treatment and prevention program that includes Surgery to treat the late stage of the disease, Antibiotics to eliminate infection, Face washing and hygiene education, and Environmental change including wells and latrines.  

Join us in supporting programs that bring vital vision care to people like Napolo and also address the root causes of vision loss. Together, we can eliminate trachoma and ensure everyone has access to the eye care they deserve. Give the Gift of Sight today. Join us in supporting programs that bring vital vision care to people like Napolo and also address the root causes of vision loss. Together, we can eliminate trachoma and ensure everyone has access to the eye care they deserve. Give the Gift of Sight today.   

1. http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma 
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Her world grew darker as cataracts began to cloud her vision and left her nearly blind. Everyday things like walking through crowded streets, cooking with the right spices and finding her way around her home became uncertain and difficult. 

Despite the challenges, her spirit stayed strong as she searched for the right eye health treatment, only to discover that the surgery she needed was far beyond what she could afford. 

One day she heard about a nearby outreach eye care camp by Operation Eyesight. Gulbahar made her way to the camp and embraced the chance for cataract surgery. 

She received cataract surgery at no cost. When the bandages were removed, she smiled. 

“I can see my world again,” she said. “I don’t need to stumble in the dark anymore. I’ve been given a second chance.” 

Today Gulbahar is back on her feet. She works and moves through her days with confidence and no longer depends on others. Her restored vision gave her more than sight. It gave her freedom. 

But stories like Gulbahar’s are far too common. 

You can help change that. Your contribution provides people with the knowledge and resources they need to regain their vision and independence. 

Did you know?   
Globally, 55 per cent of people experiencing vision loss are women and girls. There are a number of different factors for this, including longer lifespans (people over 50 experience 73 per cent of all vision loss), limited access to eye and health care, and cultural factors. (Source: IAPB Vision Atlas) 

By giving the Gift of Sight, you can help prevent blindness, restore sight and create second chances for more people like Gulbahar. Thank you for your support! 

The post Cataract surgery brings second chance for Gulbahar appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

“She was complaining that she could see smoke,” says Rose, who lives with her mother in Kakamega, located in western Kenya. “She would always say that she could see people far away but could not see people who were near.”

Rose brought Florence to Saboti Sub-County Hospital in Kitale and saw a surgical team from our partner, Kitale County Referral Hospital. Florence received sight-restoring cataract surgery, at no cost.

Reflecting on the difference the surgery made in her mother’s life, Rose sums up her gratitude with four simple words: “Thank you so much.”

When Rose brought her mother back to the hospital for her checkup, the doctors said she was doing well. Florence’s smile tells a story that words can’t express.

“Even I can see that she is smiling,” Rose says. “I thank God the operation was successful. I would like to thank the people of Operation Eyesight Universal for bringing free treatment that has helped me and my mother.”

Rose says she hopes we can continue to help others in her mom’s situation.

“When someone experiences vision loss, they often become closed off from the world. This is particularly true for seniors,” says Alice Mwangi, our Country Director for Kenya.

“Through the Gift of Sight, individuals are able to start new, happy chapters in their lives.”

Visit operationeyesight.com/GiftOfSight to help provide critical eye care services for more people like Florence. Thank you for your support!

The post Gift of Sight – the gift that keeps on giving appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

After Mahek was born with strabismus – commonly known as a squint – she faced not only the prospect of worsening eyesight throughout her life, but also stigma from others in her community.

“I felt different from other kids my age and wished I had normal eyes,” says the 15-year-old teen and eldest of five sisters.

Strabismus causes the eyes to point in different directions, often causing blurred or double vision. Mahek and her family, who live in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India, often felt rejected by their community. Their relatives and neighbours said Mahek would not have a bright future and that nobody would marry her.

Mahek’s parents took her to see an ophthalmologist but lost hope when they were told her eyes could not be treated and that she would have to live with the condition for the rest of her life. Heartbroken, Mahek’s parents stopped exploring further treatment options.

The family’s hope was restored when Raisen Vision Centre held an eye health screening camp at Mahek’s school. Staff told Mahek’s father that his daughter’s condition was treatable, but that she should receive treatment without further delay. She was referred to our partner Sewa Sedan Eye Hospital, where she received surgery.

“I was a bit worried, thinking if the surgery didn’t go as planned it would worsen my eyes. But the surgeons there were very caring and made me feel at ease,” Mahek recalls.

Following the surgery, Mahek returned to school, where her friends joyfully welcomed her.

“My squint is gone, and now I look like other children with good eyes. This treatment has boosted my confidence, and I would like to join the defense services when I grow up.”

Visit operationeyesight.com/GiftOfSight to donate today and help give more children like Mahek a brighter future!

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