Sight stories

Seeing Her Sight and Smile Come to Life!

When Yvette was old enough to go to school, her mother’s fears for her future increased. Yvette couldn’t see clearly enough to follow the lessons or read her textbooks. She was forced to drop out of school and became isolated and depressed. Yvette rarely smiled.

Sight stories | December 28th, 2022
A Future in Focus

Rinku loves going to school and is an excellent student, but two years ago, school became difficult.

Sight stories | August 12th, 2022
In Sickness and in Health

Fifty-two years ago Sam and Huen married. Together they struggled through the Khmer Rouge Regime and making a life together by farming rice and raising their eight children. As their family grew to include five grandchildren, they encountered yet another trial: they were both losing their sight. Huen went blind first; she was afraid to walk alone, but Sam guided her, helped her with chores, and carried water for her.

Sight stories | February 22nd, 2022
A Shy Smile of Happiness

As a toddler and young child, Sandra's vision began to deteriorate but because she was so young she didn't understand that she was different than other children. When she was 6 years old, her elementary school teacher noticed that she couldn't see the board clearly and notified her parents.

Sight stories | September 3rd, 2020
Will Cataracts Stop Ork from Seeing the World Again?

Unfortunately, over the last three years, Ork Lay’s vision deteriorated making it hard for her to take care of herself and her grandchildren. Ork Lay felt like a terrible burden and worried about her daughter who would have to care for her and no longer be able to earn an income to support the family.

Sight stories | June 12th, 2020
Sight and Self-Confidence

"Little by little, I realized that my vision was going, until I could no longer see," said Francísca, remembering the year she dropped out of high school because she was no longer able to read the board. As her eyesight worsened, Francísca's self-confidence diminished.

Sight stories | March 6th, 2020
It is Just an Irritated Eye

Omonuwa, a young boy in Benin, had been complaining about his eye for a few weeks. His frustrated father told him “it’s just irritated, you’ll be fine.” And he eventually would be, thanks to donors like you. **Warning** This story is not for the faint of heart!

Sight stories | February 28th, 2020
Did Cataract Surgery Help Sabitri See Her Baby for the First Time?

After suffering hardships including the loss of their two children, Sabitri and her husband's one joy was the birth of their third child, Lakshmi, named after the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth. Their joy, however, was coupled with sadness. Sabitri could not see her baby Lakshmi’s face and couldn’t care for her without the help of her sister. She dreamt about gazing into Lakshmi’s face and seeing her baby smile back at her. Would her dream come true? Read our blog to find out.

Sight stories | November 23rd, 2019
Opening Up the World Around Him

At the eye camp, an ophthalmologist diagnosed Rorng with cataracts. His grandmother was delighted to discover that his blindness could be cured through surgery. When asked what he hoped for most, Rorng’s answer was simple: “I want to go to school like my friends.”

Sight stories | October 3rd, 2019
Focusing on Her Dream

14-year-old Nitu lives in a small village in Nepal with her parents, older brother and sister. Nitu loves school and pleaded with her parents to let her finish high school so she can become a teacher.

Sight stories | September 6th, 2019