First Five Cataract Patients
Earlier this year, we we received a generous gift from a friend of Mossy Foot Project that would allow 100 cataract surgeries to be completed for mossy foot patients. Since then, clinic workers have been identifying patients who qualify for surgery, and recently the first group of five individuals came to Soddo for surgery at the eye clinic associated with Soddo Christian Hospital.
Gelhe Bassa
Gelhe Bassa, among these first five, was one of the oldest mossy foot patients at the project clinic in Gununo. Her feet had responded well to treatment and her life had been restored. As she aged, Gelhe experienced the growth of cataracts. Her right eye had been treated, but her left eye was now clouded and she could not see clearly.
Eye Exam
She was a little concerned about what was going to happen when she first got to Soddo, as you can see in the expression on her face.
The doctor examined her eye and after the surgery was complete, Gelhe has a totally different expression of relief and joy. After the bandage was removed, the joy was complete as she could see clearly again.
Shirko Lotta
Shirko Lotta is another elderly man who had problems with his left eye. He had surgery on his right eye 23 years ago. But then his left eye became dim with cataracts. Now he is rejoicing over clear sight.
Alemu Altaye
Another patient was Alemu Altaye, a 62 year-old man who had eye problems for five years. Before surgery Alemu had much discomfort with his eyes and was not able to see from distance. While he could see with his left eye, sight in his right eye was blurry. As a result, he often saw double images. This affected him so much that he had to stop working.
After surgery, Alemu is able to see clearly from any distance. Years ago, Alemu was was a sharp shooter in the army who could hit a target from 8,000 meters. After the eye surgery, Alemu says he feels like he could hit the target from 8,000 meters again, like old times.