By Ciara Baumgartner | Development Manager
How can Bishashe still be at risk of blindness from a disease wiped out in Ireland nearly 70 years ago?
Bishashe lives with her family in a rural village near Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Like many in her community, she values education as a pathway to a brighter future. But trachoma, the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness, threatens that future.
Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness, caused by repeated bacterial eye infections. Over time, it leads to scarring of the eyelids, forcing the eyelashes to turn inward and painfully scratch the eye. Without treatment, it can result in permanent blindness. Ethiopia bears 50% of the global burden, making it one of the most affected countries in the world.
Without access to nearby eye care, many people in Arba Minch face unnecessary vision loss simply because treatment is out of reach. That’s why Orbis brings essential eye care where it’s needed most. Thanks to a local vision center supported by Orbis, Bishashe received 20 minute sight-saving surgery—restoring not just her vision, but her work opportunities and her social life. The picture shows how happy she was to receive this very basic, yet effective surgery.
Trachoma should no longer exist, yet it continues to affect millions, especially women and children. Every infection is one step closer to permanent blindness, making it harder to pursue education and build a promising future .
Together, we can end avoidable blindness. Donate today and help bring sight-saving care to more people like Bishashe.
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