In Taplejung, Nepal, seven-year-old Lagima had problems with her vision - she couldn’t see things far away, especially the chalkboard in her village school. Lagima assumed her vision was normal and that everyone had trouble seeing the board. Nobody knew of her problem. Already a year behind her peers in school having failed grade 2, Lagima continued to struggle. Her single mother worked hard as an agriculture laborer making just enough to cover food, shelter, clothing and an education for her girls. She dreamed of a better future for her daughters.
Without proper care and locally available eye care services, children like Lagima often don’t finish school or learn a trade and will continue to live in poverty and face life-long challenges. Finding and treating children with eye problems early is crucial to ensuring healthy vision for life.
During a Seva school screening, Lagima’s vision was tested and she was diagnosed with poor vision in both eyes. She had such bad vision she was referred to an ophthalmologist for a more comprehensive eye examination. After walking for two days to reach the eye clinic, the doctor did a thorough exam and Lagima was provided with prescription glasses.
“Now my daughter can see distance!” exclaimed Lagima’s mother as a beaming Lagima stood beside her wearing her new glasses. “Thank you for taking care of Lagima.
My two daughters are my heart.”
A $25 donation provides 5 pairs of glasses, giving the power of sight to 5 kids in developing countries.