Harish, a 13-year-old boy from Domlur, Bangalore, lived with severe low vision for the better part of his life. He developed cataract as a child and because his condition was not diagnosed on time, his eye condition steadily deteriorated, so much so that he had to drop out of school in the seventh standard.
It was only as recently as 2010 that things began to change for Harish. He was identified by Sankara Eye Hospital, a Sightsavers’ supported partner, during Nanna Kannu’s door-to-door screening programme and then referred to the Hospital for surgery.
After a successful cataract operation, Harish was able to see. Today, even though he has low vision and has to wear spectacles, Harish is a more confident boy who can now dare to dream of learning to play the harmonium and becoming a music director.
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.