Safe Eye Care for Women & Girls in Ethiopia

When Netsanet was just a few months old, her mother noticed something concerning – her little eyes were misaligned. As she grew, the challenges mounted. At school, Netsanet found it difficult to play with other children and faced teasing due to her condition. But recently, her story took a turn for the better, thanks to supporters like you who made her sight-saving surgery possible.

We had the pleasure of meeting nine-year-old Netsanet at our recent training program in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Netsanet was struggling with strabismus, a condition causing her eyes to look in different directions when focusing.

Strabismus not only impacts vision but can also lead to permanent damage and even blindness in the affected eye. Moreover, children like Netsanet with strabismus often face increased risks of anxiety and depression. Her father shared, "The kids would make fun of her all the time, and she would usually cry and worry about it."

Luckly this changed with a recent surgery to correct her vision. With the surgery, Netsanet now looks forward to a future filled with healthy sight and the ability to join in with her school friends without fear of teasing.

This incredible transformation wouldn't have been possible without supporters like you. Your generous support helps provide sight-saving and life-changing vision care to children in Ethiopia. Please consider making a donation today to continue making a positive impact on lives like Netsanet's.

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During a recent community screening in the small village Wolkitae town three of Asma's children were screened for trachoma,a highly contagious, painful eye disease that can cause blindness and unfortunately, Neima and Sitra showed clear signs of active trachoma.

Trachoma takes away the joy of play and exploration from young children like Neima (3 years) and Sitra (6 years). Unlike other children their age, they can't join their friends in the village or enjoy the outdoors because the bright sunlight causes them pain. Sadly, Sitra is also unable to attend school, missing out on valuable learning experiences.

Luckily, both sisters were administered Tetracycline Eye Ointment by Orbis to treat their current eye infection. Asma is also shown how to apply the ointment twice daily.Asma is relieved and grateful that her daughters have been diagnosed and treated for trachoma, easing her worries. She now understands the importance of hygiene and emphasizes the need to keep their neighbourhood, toilets, and courtyard clean to protect the community from trachoma. With this newfound awareness, Asma is determined to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the well-being of everyone around them.