Naheed pictured after the operation
Naheed’s outlook has been transformed, showing the profound impact that cataract surgery can have on a person’s life, she has not only regained her sight, but also her self-esteem and happiness.
When TV presenter and Sightsavers ambassador Lorraine Kelly presented Sightsavers’ Radio 4 appeal in April, listeners generously donated £31,122. Thank you.
The money you’ve raised will enable us to help people like Naheed from Pakistan, who we met last month. Naheed, who’s 55, has diabetes, and is paralysed in the lower half of her body following a stroke about eight months ago. When we first met her, she also had cataracts in both eyes. Naheed was referred to a hospital in Islamabad, where a 20-minute operation funded by Sightsavers removed the cloudy lenses that were causing her blindness.
Sightsavers visited her the following day as an optometrist gently removed the bandage, wiped Naheed’s eye and applied drops. When it was clear that Naheed could see, there was a collective sigh of relief and the atmosphere in the room changed from nervous to joyful. Naheed’s baby granddaughter, Savera, was brought over so Naheed could see her properly for the first time. A proud grandmother, she kissed and cuddled the baby lovingly. Naheed, quiet and withdrawn before the operation, was now happy and relaxed, smiling and laughing.
Thanks to the generosity of Radio 4 listeners, Sightsavers will be able to continue restoring the sight of many more people who are needlessly blind.
You can learn more about the charity .