Eight-year-old Richmond, who lives in Ajumako Ashiem, Ghana, enjoys playing outside, just like any other boy his age. But until recently, things were much harder for the primary school student.
Before getting cataract surgery, Richmond had a hard time seeing clearly and missed a lot of school because of fatigue caused by eye strain. His parents said he was listless and spent a lot of time inside the house. Fortunately for young Richmond, help was on the way.
His school was one of dozens in the area included in a school eye health program that we are implementing in partnership with Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service. A visiting optometrist quickly diagnosed Richmond with a cataract, and he was referred for surgery at St. Barnabas Family Clinic in Greater Accra, where he was treated free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors like you.
Dora Ruth Assan is the School Health Education Programs Coordinator for Richmond’s district. She says she hears a lot of stories about children who are transformed by eye care. “A lot of them, because they were having challenges with their sight, they were not happy to be at school. When there’s outdoor games, they don’t participate,” says Assan. “But now, because they were screened, and they realized they are having challenges, they were educated on what to do.” She adds that school enrolment has improved overall since they introduced school eye health screenings.
As for young Richmond, he is just happy to be attending school regularly and playing with his friends once again. His parents say they are grateful for the help he received.
Please donate today to help provide eye health care services for more children like Richmond. Thank you for your support!
