Restoring Vision in Ethiopia within 20 Minutes

Lambore is an elderly potter and mother of eight living in southern Ethiopia. She shares her home with her daughter, Demekech, and daughter-in-law, Tesfasnes. Pottery has supported the family for generations and remains their main source of income. However, daily exposure to clay dust and smoke, combined with limited access to clean water, increases the risk of trachoma within their community.

Trachoma has affected Lambore's family across generations. After years of repeated infections, Lambore developed trachomatous trichiasis (TT), the advanced stage of trachoma, where the eyelid turns inward and the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. Without treatment, the condition can lead to permanent vision loss. Through Orbis-supported services, Lambore received sight-saving surgery to help prevent further damage to her vision.

Her daughter, Demekech, and her young grandchildren, Mehret and Tarike, have also experienced repeated trachoma infections. In communities where access to water, sanitation and hygiene is limited, the disease can spread easily through close contact, making prevention and early treatment essential.

Through Orbis-supported programmes, families like Lambore's can access TT surgery, antibiotic treatment, hygiene education and improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene. Together, these interventions help reduce the spread of trachoma, prevent avoidable vision loss and strengthen local eye care services for future generations.

This work is only possible because of the generosity of supporters like you. Thank you for helping make quality eye care more accessible to communities in Ethiopia.