Our Work

Amina with her family. Amina thought she would never see again. © Riccardo Gangale / Sightsavers

Amina with her family. Amina thought she would never see again. © Riccardo Gangale / Sightsavers

Print this Page

Amina Omar

70-year-old Amina has been blind with bi-lateral cataract for the last year. Her son-in-law heard about Sightavers projects on the local radio and decided to take Amina to be assessed.

Before the Operation
Before the operation Amina was unable to cook, fetch water, wash herself or eat without help. She wanted her sight restored so she could regain her independence and go back to work to help her sister on the farm.

Amina arrived with her son in law who explained what she was like before she lost her sight.

"Before she lost her sight she was a very active, independent woman who was very involved in community life. It upsets her and all of the family that now she is often excluded from community life. She no longer is invited to neighbours parties and celebrations because it's too much trouble for other people. Someone has to come and get her, look after her while she is there and then take her home again."

After the operation
After the operation Amina was sitting quietly in the recovery ward.

When Dr. Anselmo removed the bandages Amina was overcome with emotion. She cried tears of joy when she realised she could see again and immediately took Dr. Anselmos hands in hers and thanked him repeatedly.

Within an hour Amina was checked out of the hospital and walked proudly and independently out of the hospital to meet her family.