Remaining sight saved by cataract surgery

A Masaii family poses for a photo.
 
Written by Robyn Wilson, published on January 28, 2025 Give the Gift of Sight

Sopilal is known for her warmth and kindness throughout Ormakau Village, Kajiado. Her cozy home, with its doors always open, is a sanctuary of joy and laughter for her children and grandchildren who have always admired her perseverance… 

You see, a childhood accident left Sopilal nearly blind in her left eye, so she relied entirely upon the right for most of her life. It was a struggle at times, but she managed, and she felt fortunate to see the bright smiles of her family and the tiny beads, needles and string she used to create beautiful artisan jewellery.

But at 78 years old, the one eye she relied upon was no longer clear. Sopilal’s vision faded, her already limited eyesight blurring more and more. No longer could she create her jewellery, nor make out the faces of her children and grandchildren that brought her so much happiness.

She was physically present with her family, but Sopilal felt all alone.

Until one day when a community health worker, trained by Operation Eyesight in primary eye care, made his way, through the rough terrain of nearly impassible roads, to the remote Ormakau village to screen residents for eye conditions. With an initial check, Sopilal was encouraged to seek help for her failing vision. There was likely a simple solution to her predicament.

Accompanied and guided by her daughter, Sopilal visited a nearby health centre where she received her diagnosis – it was indeed a cataract that had been fogging her vision. But there was good news – a simple surgery could restore her sight.

Sopilal is thrilled that she can walk around her village independently again. The outreach activities we helped implement in her community were part of Kenya’s Vision Impact Project, a four-year initiative being led by CBM and government partners that aims to reach eight million people with eye health services. Photo: Patrick Wainaina Muthii / Operation Eyesight

Although the procedure seemed simple and straightforward, Sopilal still found it daunting. What if it didn’t work? What if she could never see her loved ones’ faces clearly again? Sopilal hesitated at first, but her daughter’s gentle insistence convinced her to give it a try.

The day of the surgery arrived, and Sopilal was more nervous than she’d ever been. The procedure was quick, and soon she was resting in the recovery room with her right eye bandaged, still feeling unsure of the outcome.

But the following day her bandage was removed. Sopilal blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the light, and then she gasped. The world was no longer a blur of grey! She could see her daughter’s beautiful face! 

The next few weeks were filled with joyful reunions and rediscoveries. Sopilal could walk on her own and bead her jewellery once again, unhindered by blurred vision.  

Sopilal is thrilled that she can do intricate bead work again, now that she’s had cataract surgery.

Because of donors like you, Sopilal’s isolation ended. She no longer felt alone and was once again filled with the simple joy of living in the company of her children and grandchildren, catching unobstructed glimpses of their smiling faces. 

With files from Patrick Wainaina Muthii.