Restoring Vision in Ethiopia within 20 Minutes

In the Gurage Zone of southern Ethiopia, 28-year-old Fikir teaches biology at her local secondary school. She’s also a mother of two young boys, balancing her work in the classroom with caring for her family.

For years, Fikir lived with the pain of trachoma, an infectious eye disease that can cause the eyelashes to turn inward and scratch the surface of the eye. “The disease gives me tearing and redness as well as pain, so it has been difficult to teach in the class,” she says. “I frequently do the epilation on my eyelashes so that I can relieve myself from the pain.”

Her condition worsened while she was at university, when a friend noticed signs of trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Recently, she sought care at the Worsherbe Health Centre, where she received TT surgery to prevent further damage to her sight.

Orbis has trained the health workers at Worsherbe Health Centre in TT surgery, as well as how to identify and prevent active trachoma. This training means people like Fikir can access treatment and advice close to home — from trusted members of their own community.

When we met Fikir, she was returning to the clinic to have her stitches removed. “After my stitches are removed, I am looking forward to being independent once again and seeing the bright light,” she said quietly.

Fikir is hopeful not just for herself but for her students and her children, who are already showing early signs of infection. She encourages others in her community to seek treatment and learn about eye health.

None of this would have been possible without supporters like you. With your continued support, Orbis will ensure that everyone — teachers, students, and families — can see clearly and continue building their futures.