In February 2011, Working Vision began funding surgery for work-related eye injuries. Our first patient’s story best explains the program.
Anju is a 24-year-old woman who lives with her three children and husband in a rural area of central Nepal. One day, while harvesting leaves for her livestock, a tree branch ruptured her right eye. Anju came to Hetauda Community Eye Hospital (HCEH) shortly after her injury, and at this time, her visual acuity was limited to light perception in her right eye. She was unable to see objects or motion.
After her injury, Anju explained that she was "hopeless to pay for surgery." Fortunately, with the help of Working Vision’s operational fund at HCEH, Dr. Limbu was able to provide free surgery for Anju. She underwent emergency repair of her ruptured globe, followed by surgery to remove a traumatic cataract at a later date.
A month after surgery, Anju's vision was 20/30 with glasses. She continues to work daily tending to her farm and supporting her family.
