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.

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!

The post Surgery boosts a teen’s vision and confidence appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Tina had very little hope in her life. Her mother died when she was a child, and she had a huge burden on her shoulders from a very young age. As the only female member of her household, Tina was expected to do all the household chores.

That burden became worse as her vision began to suffer. She started to have severe headaches and eye pain, and she was no longer able to see to study. She had to stop her beloved hobby of applying henna, a temporary form of body art that’s common in India, and it was the one thing that brought her joy in a difficult life. At such a young age, Tina was ready to give up on her future. She felt completely hopeless.

But thanks to your support, Tina’s despair turned into hope!

During a door-to-door survey, an Operation Eyesight-trained community health worker named Anjana screened Tina for vision problems and saw that she needed help. Tina had been struggling with pain and poor vision, but she had no idea that there was a solution to her problem until Anjana showed up at her door.

Anjana referred Tina to our partner Kurawar Vision Centre, and she was given custom prescription eyeglasses. Being able to see again transformed Tina’s life!

Tina now lives pain-free. Now that she can see to read and write again, she has a brighter future ahead of her. And she’s so much happier now that she’s rediscovered her artistic side through applying henna again. Her life has been completely changed, and it’s all thanks to someone like you!

There are so many people like Tina, who can’t see but have no idea that they can change that. They accept a life of limited options and shattered dreams. You can bring hope to these people. Please give the Gift of Sight today and see a life transformed because of your generosity!

The post The Gift of Sight brings hope to people who have lost all hope! appeared first on Operation Eyesight.