In a dusty Kenyan pastoralist community, many people struggle with poor vision, making daily life a challenge.
Tears of joy welled in her eyes as the surgeon removed the bandage. Fatima (not her real name) beheld the faces of her loved ones, now clear and distinct for the first time in years.
The 89-year-old was quick to shower the eye surgeon with blessings for the miracle she had experienced.
Fatima’s life-changing operation was carried out by a team from the Fred Hollows Foundation who flew with MAF from the Kenya capital Nairobi to the northeastern community of Mandera, near the borders of Somalia and Ethiopia.
I extend my gratitude to the Fred Hollows Foundation and Mission Aviation Fellowship for their prompt assistance in addressing the eye challenges arising from population growth and adverse climatic conditions.
MAF pilot Daniel Loewen-Rudgers flew the eye specialists to the region for the five-day camp where they performed 250 sight restoration surgeries, giving hope of a brighter future.
Fatima can now see the faces and smiles of her eight grandchildren clearly after receiving bilateral cataract surgery. She had been waking up early to prepare them for school but that became difficult when her vision became poor, and she completely lost her sight five years ago.
She explained it was challenging to carry out simple tasks like pouring a cup of tea or even threading a needle.
Despite her best efforts to adapt, Fatima found herself increasingly isolated, unable to fully engage in the activities that once brought her joy.
It was no different for Hussein, (pseudonym), a 79-year-old man, also a resident of Mandera whose life has been dedicated to his family and herd of cattle. His vision started failing him and he has had to depend on his wife and grandchildren to take care of different tasks as well as tend to the cattle.
He shared that his wife Amina, had become his eyes guiding him through the home and even outside the home. His grandchildren’s voices led him to the herd of cattle each day. With his vision restored, he is thankful he will not have to rely on others. He vowed to take up the mantle of being a provider once again, tending to his family and cattle with renewed purpose.
Mohamed Ali, of the County Executive Committee (CEC) for Health Services in Mandera, expressed his appreciation during the opening remarks of the eye clinic.
He said: "I extend my gratitude to the Fred Hollows Foundation and Mission Aviation Fellowship for their prompt assistance in addressing the eye challenges arising from population growth and adverse climatic conditions."
“Factors such as high solar radiation, dusty surroundings, and frequent eye injuries among pastoralist communities often contribute to various eye diseases."
Dr Ochieng - Senior Ophthalmologist from Kisumu emphasised the diverse range of eye diseases observed, with infections being particularly common.