A stitch in time: Cataract surgery revives career

Holding an awl in one hand, and a man’s leather shoe in the other, Abraham in Kenya demonstrates how he pierces a hole in the leather before stitching it up to make a repair. It’s part of his job as a cobbler that, for months, he was unable to do. A couple years ago, Abraham… Continue reading A stitch in time: Cataract surgery revives career

The role of eye care in preventing poverty

For most of his adult life, Abraham made a living as a cobbler, supporting his wife and raising six children on his earnings. But several years ago, he started having trouble threading needles. Initially, he pricked himself repeatedly, and eventually, he couldn’t get the needles threaded at all. Due to his poor eyesight, Abraham had… Continue reading The role of eye care in preventing poverty

New patient transport vehicle in Meghalaya

The northeast Indian state of Meghalaya is known for its hilly terrain and rainy weather. While that makes for excellent tea-growing conditions, it also means that roads are often rugged, muddy and difficult to navigate.    For residents of remote communities, getting from the village into the city for healthcare can be challenging at the… Continue reading New patient transport vehicle in Meghalaya

Cataract surgery saves cattle herder’s livelihood

Herding cows is such a fundamental part of Maasai culture that it is common to hear people in that community greeting each other with, “I hope your cattle are well!” So, when 70-year-old Parmuat, a Maasai herder in Kajiado County, Kenya, thought he might have to sell off his cows, he was devastated.   Several… Continue reading Cataract surgery saves cattle herder’s livelihood