For the past three years, headaches and watery red eyes were a constant reality for Tonnima, from a village in northern Bangladesh.
The 22-year-old works as a beautician and hopes to someday go to college, but vision trouble has meant difficulty reading, working and doing daily tasks at home.
“I thought that my sight problems would lead to bigger eye troubles in the future, which would affect my life,” she reflects.
Like many women in South Asia who face social barriers to seeking healthcare, Tonnima was embarrassed to tell others about her vision problems. She says her family felt helpless and anxious.
Tonnima was grateful to learn that there was a vision centre just a kilometre away from her home, where she received an eye exam, a pair of prescription glasses and eye medication.
The impact has been life changing.
“I’m very happy now, as I can see everything clearly and can do my regular work, and read and write,” Tonnima says.
“I hope to live a happy and prosperous life.”
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