“I am able to see!”

As Dr Msukwa carefully unwraps Mary’s bandages, her family are eagerly awaiting her reaction. She’s just had cataract surgery to help her see clearly again.

After a moment, Mary’s eyes adjust and she gets her first glimpse of her family with her newly restored vision. A beaming smile spreads across her face.

I’m very happy that I’m able to see my grandfather again!

Mary

Mary was a very different girl before her operation. She was struggling at school and having difficulties with reading and writing.

Her teacher moved her to the front of the class to help her see, but it didn’t work. Instead, the other children teased her about her sight loss. This left Mary feeling isolated and withdrawn.

Martha, Mary’s mother, explained that the other children often left her out. “They say: ‘No, this one has sight problems, so we cannot play with her.’ Sometimes I do quarrel with some parents because their children are mocking my daughter.”

At the time of her operation, Dr Msukwa was the only person who could help Mary regain her freedom. Of just eight eye surgeons in Malawi, he was the only one who could perform child cataract operations.

Dr Msukwa tells us that Mary’s operation wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Sightsavers. “Half of the equipment I use has been procured by Sightsavers. I think almost 90% of people who are assisted to get to the hospitals have been helped through Sightsavers.”

She is more independent now. She does most things on her own.

Francis, Mary’s father

The operation has transformed Mary from a shy, quiet girl into one who is full of energy and looking forward to a bright future.

She’s now able to join in with her friends and siblings, complete her schoolwork and she can help her family around the house too. Her new-found independence has not only had a positive impact on Mary, but on her entire family.

Mary’s father, Francis, shared: “We have noticed a huge difference since the operation. She wasn’t able to do many things before the operation. She’s helping a lot at home nowadays.”

Mary now has a brighter future to look forward to, full of hope and possibilities. Her parents are proud of the progress she’s made and excited to see where her life will take her.

Her father says: “Now in school she is doing quite well and she has been passing her exams. We’ve got high hopes for her: we want her to have a brilliant career in the future.”

Zikomo means ‘thank you’ in Chichewa. Thank you for your support, and for helping make transformations like Mary’s possible.

I’m very thankful that Sightsavers has come to our rescue. We weren’t able to get this kind of help on our own. Thank you to everyone!

Martha, Mary’s mother