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He couldn't see the blackboard. Now he can see his future.

At 11, Abdul loved school. But as his eyesight faded, he could no longer see the blackboard or move around safely on his own. Then surgery gave him back his sight and a clearer future.

Country Freetown, Sierra Leone
Age 11
Treatment Eye Surgery
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Meet Abdul

Abdul lives in Tombo, Sierra Leone. For his first years at school, he could see like the other children. Then, around grade four, everything began to change.

Even sitting at the front of the classroom wasn't enough. Abdul relied on friends to copy lessons from the blackboard and increasingly depended on his family to move around safely.

In my class I am not able to copy from the blackboard unless my friend writes for me.
Abdul
  • Even as his eyesight faded, Abdul continued going to school every day, determined not to let his vision stop him from learning.

Even as his eyesight faded, Abdul continued going to school every day, determined not to let his vision stop him from learning.

A small chance changed what Abdul could see

After years of searching for help, Abdul's family heard about the Global Mercy™.

Aboard, doctors diagnosed him with congenital cataracts. By age 11, the chances of restoring his sight were small, but the surgical team decided to try.

  • Aboard the Global Mercy™, doctors discovered that congenital cataracts were behind Abdul's worsening vision.

Aboard the Global Mercy™, doctors discovered that congenital cataracts were behind Abdul's worsening vision.

I showed him my fingers. And he could see.
Dr Abraham Wodome

Back at school. Looking ahead.

Today, Abdul no longer needs a friend to copy his lessons from the blackboard. He can write his own notes, move around more independently and play football with his friends.

And the boy who once struggled to see what was in front of him already knows what he wants to become.

“I want to become a medical doctor, so that I can support my family and help other people.”
Abdul

Help make another child's next step possible

For Abdul, surgery meant more than seeing clearly again. It meant returning to the classroom with greater independence, playing with his friends and looking ahead to the future he dreams of.

For other children, access to the surgical care they need is still out of reach. Your gift can help make life-changing surgery possible, giving more children the chance to learn, grow and imagine what their future could hold.

Help make the next story possible.

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See where healing can lead