Sight for 10,000 Poor Blind Children in Pakistan

Mahtashma was only 4 when she first realized that there was something wrong with her; having recently started school, a very excited Mahatashma loved being the centre of attention and playing the role of teachers favorite.

‘Adorable and intelligent, Mahtashma was a delightful, playful and eager to learn child’ – her teacher fondly remembers. Unfortunately, she had to inform Mahtashma’s parents that she was sure that the little girl was visually impaired. She sent a note home with Mahtashma who realized that there was something wrong but could not comprehend. Her parents, plagued with worry about their first born, took her to various hospitals. A laborer by profession, her father could not afford to take her to a private set up. The doctors at the local hospital kept giving her medications that offered no solution to the impairment. Mahtashma had to be taken out of school and remained at home for several years.

With the passage of time, her vision deteriorated so much so that the once chirpy child, became withdrawn and started avoiding movement of any sort. She would mostly be found at the gate of her house, staring at the ground with a gloomy look on her face.

Her luck was about to change. A friend of her father’s visited them last summer and spoke to them of taking her to LRBT – a free eye care hospital. Having gone to various government and charitable hospitals, Mahtashma had little hope of getting cured. In fact, she resisted going initially and had to be persuaded by the family to give it one last try.

Fearful and skeptical, Mahtashma was diagnosed with Cataract at LRBT after a thorough check up and underwent surgery that was successful. She could see the colors of life again and it was delightful to see the smile creeping back on the once serious face.

She is now back at school and we are happy to report, has become her old self again.

 ' LRBT has givne my daughter a chance to live normally again - there could be no greater gift for us'
(Mahtashma's father)

Links:

• http://www.lrbt.org.pk/

An outstanding student of grade 3, 8 year old Maheen has always been an outstanding student in the neighborhood school – a feat her family is proud of and with which they introduce Maheen to everyone. Ranking amongst the top 10 students in the entire school, Maheen is a conscientious schild who works hard, hoping to use education as the breaking barrier from poverty and the many perils that come with it.

Part of a joint family system, Maheen, along with her grandparents, parents and siblings, lives in a small house in the suburbs of Karachi. The sole earner of the family of 9, her father, Zaheer Ahmed, finds it difficult to cater to the needs of his own children despite his best efforts. Although he works day and night as a door to door salesman, his salary is very low – Rs.10,000/ - - which barely covers the food expense of the family, let alone other expenses. Maheen and one of her brothers is studying in the school completely free of cost – on scholarship earned based on merit.

Recently, Maheen’s School Teacher noticed her inhibition to participate in school activities. Initially, the child could not tell what was wrong with her and seemed aloof. Later on, the teacher was able to realize that Maheen’s vision was deteriorating. Subsequently, Maheen’s grades also started declining and by then, all her teachers had noticed that she couldn’t see the board clearly. The teachers informed Maheen’s father about her poor progress in school due to her vision problem. Her father did not know what to do. He could not afford much at this point – even a doctor’s visit was difficult to manage.

As luck would have it, the LRBT SCHOOL SCREENING TEAM visited AL BEHRIA CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL and diagnosed that Maheen with cataract in both eyes and was referred to LRBT Hospital for further treatment / surgery.                                                                                                                                                                             

The Principal informed Maheen’s parents and her father brought her to LRBT soon after. Maheen was examined in the Peads clinic and after routine protocols was booked for surgery.

The operation was successful and Maheen now has another chance at achieving her dreams. Now, she can go to school and continue with her daily activities. We, at LRBT prey for her successful future.      

‘Managing life with cataracts was difficult for Maheen, but after her operation she is a lot happier and less anxious.  She even wants to work for LRBT when she grows up so she can help other children like herself.’

‘I wish all the best and success for entire team and especially school Team, Doctors, and Technicians which are the back bone of LRBT.’

(Maheen’s father)

Links:

• Find out more about LRBT and our mission