By Collette McEntee | Intern
At the age of 8, Fayiza Ali was diagnosed with Strabismus.
In 2012, Fayiza traveled 325km from Kamesa to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where Orbis' Flying Eye Hospital was stationed, for the opportunity to receive eye surgery for her condition. Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. In Fayiza’s case, she suffered from exotropia and hypotropia, which constantly positioned one of her eyes upwards and outwards.
The youngest in a family of five, Fayiza developed strabismus three months after birth and was the only one afflicted in her family.
Though excited to have her condition treated, when asked if she was afraid; she lifted her chin bravely and responded; "I am ready."
During surgery, Dr. Shalev, with help from with his hands-on trainee Dr. Kibru, operated on three muscles: the inferior oblique, lateral rectus, and medial rectus. This was to help Fayiza’s strabismic eye achieve the primary position of looking straight.
Fayiza likes to play volleyball and aspires to be an ophthalmologist when she grows up. With Orbis' help, Fayiza has the opportunity to practice and pursue these interests.
Orbis continues to work towards the prevention and treatment of blindness by providing quality eye care to transform lives for those who need it most.
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