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“My eyes hurt, I don’t see so well”

Four years old is too young to be worried about losing your sight to cataracts.

We first met Muhammad when he was four years old; he was confident, loving, and living with cataracts.

Muhammad was too young to understand why he was struggling to see clearly, but he’d ask his father to help “fix” his eyes. He was full of life, wanting to explore his world in Kaduna state, Nigeria. His family was worried that, without treatment, he could easily get left behind.

Cataracts are the most common cause of severe vision loss in Nigeria, even in children as young as Muhammad. Too often, children become withdrawn and isolated because of sight loss, missing out on school and the freedoms of childhood.

The moment when a child’s bandages are removed and they can see a new life without cataracts is such a wonderful thing to be apart of. Today, you can help make that moment happen, and transform a young life.

Muhammad and his grandmother, sat outside prepping food to cook.
A typical day is ‘Muhammad stop this’ and ‘Muhammad don’t do that.’
Halima, Muhammad’s grandmother
Muhammad and his grandmother, sat outside prepping food to cook.

Muhammad is very close with his grandmother, Halima. Halima described to us how he would climb all over her, and run around happily in the security of her home. But she was increasingly concerned about his sight. Halima described how Muhammad would fall down or hurt himself when he was playing. He was a happy little boy, and she was desperate to ensure that cataracts didn’t take this away.

Muhammad and his father walking down a path outside.
He runs into things without seeing. His condition has declined drastically.
Abubakar, Muhammad’s father
Muhammad and his father walking down a path outside.

Muhammad’s sight loss was becoming more obvious to his father by the day. Muhammad’s father, Abubakar, explained, “He is very smart, he picks up everything you teach him, but due to this eye problem, everybody is worried.”

Concerned his sight was deteriorating, Abubakar brought Muhammad to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria. A paediatric ophthalmologist supported by Sightsavers diagnosed Muhammad with cataracts in both eyes. This level of sight loss in a child so young is considered an emergency, so Muhammad was immediately offered an operation.

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Before the operation, Abubakar would have to help Muhammad put on his shoes. But just three days after coming home, Muhammad could find things without help around their home.

Thankfully, Muhammad’s cataract operation happened before his life was significantly impacted by sight loss. But it was only a matter of time. With every year, the chances of the cataracts causing lasting damage would have increased.

Two years on, Muhammad has now had operations on both eyes. He’s living a full life, playing with his friends and loves going to school.  

“The difference cannot be quantified because it is so big.”
Abubakar, Muhammad’s dad
A portrait of Muhammad smiling, sat at his desk in school.
I feel happy at school. I love to colour, write and draw. I want to learn how to ride a bicycle.
Muhammad
A portrait of Muhammad smiling, sat at his desk in school.

Every year that a child has cataracts means a greater risk of irreversible sight loss

Muhammad and four other students sat at a table with their teacher pointing at textbooks in front of them.

Every year counts...

With your support, we work with local partners to find, diagnose and treat children by training teachers to screen children for a range of eye conditions including cataracts.

Muhammad looks at the whiteboard in his classroom as his teacher points to the board.

Early intervention

80% of learning is through vision. That’s why it's vital children get the treatment they need as early as possible. The impact blindness can have on a child is huge.

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Will you help transform more young lives?

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