When Ajay, an 11-year-old-boy from Horamavu, Bangalore, started having problems with his school work, no one made the connection that this could be linked to an eye condition and so, his grades continued to drop. Even after he was identified in Nanna Kannu’s school screening camp, run by Sankara Eye Hospital, a Sightsavers’ supported partner, Ajay neglected telling his parents about it.
However, as his performance worsened, a teacher suggested an eye examination to his parents. This time Ajay was taken to Sankara Eye Hospital and things began to change. Here, he was identified with cataract and after a series of check-ups, he underwent surgery and regained his vision. Ajay has since shown a marked improvement at school.
Shanti Devi, 65 years old widow, in the city of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Fifty-nine-year-old Gaya Bai from Katni manages her household expenses from the meagre pension of her retired Police constable husband.