KARU, Nigeria – After years of poor vision, Faith is once again seeing things clearly - thanks to new reading glasses courtesy of Operation Blessing.

A patient receives new glasses at a recent Operation Blessing medical outreach in Karu.

At a recent medical mission in the town of Karu in Nasarawi state, central Nigeria, more than 350 people were diagnosed with having poor vision. Others were almost completely blind.

Unfortunately, such conditions are common in the region. Many are forced to live visually-impaired because they have little or no access to treatment and quality health care.

“My eyes used to itch me severely," Faith explained. “When I went to the hospital, I could not afford the cost of treatment and glasses that were prescribed for me.”

Kagoro Jiaba is another beneficiary of the free medical services. A widow with seven children, Kagoro has struggled to feed her family, much less afford medical care.

Treatment for her vision had remained a luxury.

“My eyes used to hurt me when I was cooking because of the smoke from the firewood”, she told OB. “Eventually my children had to take over the cooking because I couldn’t see with the tears in my eyes."

Not willing to give up easily, both Faith and Kagoro were among more than 1,200 others who stood in line during the two-day medical outreach in the village after they learned there were volunteer eye doctors who could treat their condition.

“Thank God for Operation Blessing’s doctors," Faith said. "They examined my eyes and have given me free eye drops and reading glasses. May God truly bless you for all you are doing."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1997- 2009 by Operation Blessing International of this page and all contents. No part of this site may be used without prior written consent from OBI. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Email us at operation.blessing@ob.org.