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Stories

Illustration of student ophthalmologist Dr Hawa Megembe, sitting in a chair with flowers and a framed picture behind her.

A day in the life: “It’s a blessing to have the power to change someone’s life”

Dr Hawa Naiga Magembe is studying ophthalmology in Uganda with the help of a scholarship provided by Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.

Samson Lokele in Kenya.

“I was the first trachoma surgeon in my region”

Meet Samson, a trachoma surgeon who’s saving people’s sight by performing pop-up operations and outreach in remote communities in Kenya.

Salifat smiles at the camera

“I’m able to do things I couldn’t do before”

Salifat experienced painful swelling in her leg for a year before she was visited by a local health worker, who told her she had lymphatic filariasis and taught her to manage her symptoms.

Saio stands outside wearing her school uniform and backpack.

“I feel good whenever I go to school”

Saio has a physical disability that affects her feet and makes walking difficult, meaning she was missing out on a lot of her education. A Sightsavers-supported inclusive education project has provided transport to take her to school and training for her teachers, which has made a huge difference.

Asma stands smiling in front of a large palm tree.

“Every day is women’s day when you cherish women’s dignity”

Asma is project manager for Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health project in Bangladesh, which is breaking down the barriers women face when accessing eye care services.

Pelagies smiles while standing in a laboratory.

“Women can go further than they’re made to believe”

Pelagie is an entomologist who’s paving the way for more women to lead in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Dr Jalikatu uses ophthalmology equipment to examine a man's eyes.

“As a woman, you’re always trying to prove that you belong”

Meet Dr Jalikatu, who’s the only female ophthalmologist in Sierra Leone and the head of the national eye care programme.

A man wearing sunglasses smiles with his two happy grandchildren.

“Now I can see again, I can make money to support my family”

Father and grandfather Sardar from Pakistan is the main breadwinner for his family. But his children and grandchildren faced an uncertain future when he began to develop cataracts.

“I’ve sat in a canoe to ensure people get their medication!”

Watch Agatha Aboe, Sightsavers’ global trachoma programme coordinator, as she tells brand ambassador Sunetra Sarker about her work to protect sight in Africa.

Mai Mai smiles with a patient as the sun shines behind them.

“An inspiring father is one who puts his family first”

To mark Father’s Day, we spoke to two fathers involved in Sightsavers projects to learn about their work and their favourite parts of being a parent.