“It was hard to find food when we couldn’t see”

In rural Malawi, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness. A lack of training for medical staff and challenging terrain in remote areas make it hard for people to access eye care.

Margaret and her son Chisomo were diagnosed with cataracts when they visited a Sightsavers-supported eye screening camp in Malawi. But they now have hope for a brighter future after having sight-restoring operations.

Twelve-year-old Chisomo, who was born with congenital cataracts, was only able to see light and dark. Despite Margaret’s determination to seek help for her son, a lack of access to specialised eye care meant he’d never had treatment and had never been able to go to school.

Four years ago, his mother’s vision also began to deteriorate because of cataracts. One morning, Margaret awoke thinking she had been blindfolded, but the reality was she had completely lost her sight. She was forced to leave her job as a tobacco farmer in Mozambique and return to her home village in Malawi with Chisomo.

Margaret, 50, explains how, before they both had their operations, they could not carry out simple daily tasks without relying on each other to find their way around. Fortunately, during this time, relatives and neighbours supported the family by cooking meals for them.

“We had several challenges as we were visually impaired. It was hard to find food when we could not see. We could not fend for ourselves,” Margaret says.

“Chisomo could be hit by items whenever he tried to play with his friends. He could stumble on a tree. Even stumbling on the wall inside the house. He required guidance in moving.”

When the village’s local chief, who is a prominent figure in the community, announced that medical staff would be coming to the area to check people’s eyes, Margaret saw a chance for her and her son to regain their sight.

Margaret was immediately scheduled for a cataract operation, but Chisomo needed further assessment and was referred to a team of specialists at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi’s capital city, Lilongwe. Sightsavers supported the family with all the travel and treatment costs.

Since having treatment, Chisomo has been going to school for the first time. His handwriting is improving, and he hopes to one day become a doctor.

Speaking proudly about Chisomo’s progress, Margaret says: “He is so good, even when he is scribbling on the ground, you may think it is a grown-up person writing and not Chisomo.”

Margaret has also returned to her job as a farmer, and both mother and son now enjoy the freedom of being able to do tasks independently. One of Margaret’s chores includes collecting soil from the wetlands, which she uses to build flooring in her home.

“I feel great. I am able to do all the chores I used to do previously, like taking care of the surroundings,” Margaret says.

Speaking about their newfound freedom, Chisomo adds: “Since my mother regained her vision, I like everything she does.

“She is able to cook and sweep. I also help in sweeping before I leave for school.”