Helping Children Overcome Childhood Blindness

The Child

Laurent's story

Laurent Huruma Mwashiuya is a three-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Makua Shiwinga, Songwe Region. He is the youngest of three children. His parents are small-scale farmers. They grow food for the family and sell some crops to earn income. Laurent was born with a congenital unilateral cataract, which affected his vision in one eye. When his mother first noticed the problem, she took him to Songwe Regional Hospital in Vwawa for an eye check-up. The doctor advised her to wait until the child was older. Later, she returned to the hospital, but the family could not afford the treatment because of financial difficulties. According to his mother, Laurent had many difficulties, especially in bright sunlight. This made it hard for him to play with other children. She began to lose hope that her son would ever see normally. The situation changed when the family met OSHI, with help from Dr Geophrey, the Songwe Regional Eye Coordinator. OSHI helped to arrange treatment, and Laurent was referred to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for surgery. On 23 December, OSHI supported Laurent to receive cataract surgery at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. The operation was successful, and his sight was restored. After the surgery, he was able to see objects clearly with the affected eye, which was not possible before. Laurent’s mother is very grateful to the medical team at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital and to other patients for their care, kindness, and guidance. She also thanks God for the chance to meet OSHI and expresses her deep appreciation to OSHI for their support.