Over the next 5 weeks we will be introducing the work of SightLife to the readers of Gujarat Samachar. SightLife is a charity based in the USA, with offices in New Delhi and London focused on eliminating corneal blindness worldwide. We hope you will join SightLife in supporting people like Manoj, Varsha, Sana, Prakash and Muskan as they are freed from corneal blindness - the loss of sight caused by damage to the surface of the eye.
SightLife works to eliminate corneal blindness worldwide, with a current specific focus on India where 7 million people are affected by blindness when they do not need to be. Your support will help eliminate corneal blindness in India soon, and achieve global elimination by 2040.
Manoj's Story
A Life Saved by Corneal Surgery
At age 12, Manoj mysteriously began losing his eyesight and developed pain in both eyes at night. Doctors prescribed eyeglasses, but over time, faces became blurry and unrecognizable and the harsh Indian sunlight became agonizing. When Manoj finally found a hospital that could perform a corneal transplant, he was desperate. However, the doctors were not convinced his eyesight could be restored. Crushed by the pessimistic report, he gave up on the idea of surgery, determined to find another way to tolerate his life.
In 2011, Manoj found a job doing menial labor and he hoped to work his way up to one day being an electrician’s apprentice. He was a hard worker and his boss liked him, but Manoj’s failing sight soon became too much of a liability. A year later, his boss issued an ultimatum: “Get the surgery or you’re fired!” Manoj was terrified, both of losing his job and of the idea of surgery, but after living on the edge for so long, he could not afford to lose the only means of support he had. So he opted for surgery.
When the bandages were removed from his left eye, a whole new world opened up for Manoj, a world of wonder where old things became new and the mundane became beautiful. After waiting the recommended two years between operations, he underwent surgery on his right eye, and this surgery was equally successful. The boss who forced Manoj to have the surgery was the first person he saw after the transplant.
Prior to his surgeries, Manoj worked as the man’s helper. But with his eyesight restored, he was able to complete more complex training and take on more responsibilities. Today, Manoj has taken over management of the business – Edge Electric – and works independently in his chosen profession. Manoj says that he thinks his boss saved his life twice: First by demanding he get the corneal transplant surgery, and second, by entrusting him with the business.
Please support people like Manoj
SightLife is working hard to help people like Manoj and we invite support from people who want to join us to eliminate corneal blindness in India. All money raised towards our work in India is doubled by a private foundation in America. To make a gift for people like Manoj, or to find our more about our work, please contact James Newell, UK Development Lead: [email protected] 0207 566 3635.
SightLife UK, c/o Kingston Smith LLP, Devonshire House, 60 Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7AD
