By James Harold | Development Manager - ORBIS Ireland
Trachoma is an infectious eye disease which begins as a seemingly harmless eye infection. If left untreated, the disease progresses to become a serious condition which can cause blindness. In Ethiopia, eye care facilities are poor and inadequately equipped to meet the needs of the large population. Through sustainable training and partnership creation, ORBIS is working to change this.
Earlier this year, ORBIS met Amu. Having heard of the treatment available in the local health centre through a friend, Amu came to see if he could be helped. The walk to the centre takes almost three hours and with poor visibility, Amu struggled. His advanced trachoma infection had caused him pain and torment for nearly two years. As the condition worsened, the eyelashes began to turn inwards and eventually scratch the surface of the eye so badly that he was at a real risk of going blind. Thankfully, Amu had come to the health centre just in time.
After a brief consultation with an ORBIS-trained nurse, Amu was prepared for surgery. Just 20 minutes later and the procedure was complete. This simple surgery will have a life-changing effect for him. When we spoke with Amu afterwards, he said that he was most looking forward to being able to carry out daily tasks by himself and not being seen as a burden by his family. Unfortunately, there are too many others who suffer needlessly just like Amu.
ORBIS has been working in southern Ethiopia for almost ten years now and during that time we have carried out thousands of sight-saving surgeries just like Amu's. The cost of conducting these simple, yet highly effective surgeries is just €6 or $10. If you can afford to help, please show your support and make a donation today. Thank you!
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