Unique stories to inspire everyone to #LOVEYOUREYES

During my MBBS studies in Somalia, I saw how preventable blindness was taking away people’s independence and limiting their future. In both rural areas and the capital, access to even the most basic eye care was almost non‑existent. People suffering from cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and other avoidable causes of blindness were left untreated simply because the services, trained professionals and equipment they needed were not available. At that time, Somalia had no institution to train ophthalmologists, meaning anyone wishing to specialise had to leave the country. Determined to change this reality, I trained abroad, completing my ophthalmology residency in Belarus, cataract surgery training in Bangladesh, and now a cornea fellowship at Aravind Eye Hospital in India. In 2019, I founded Somali Eye Care, a non‑profit eye care organization working to create a strong, self‑sustaining eye care system in Somalia. Built on the belief that sight is the right of every person poor or rich Our system combines a hospital, an institute and outreach programs. We aim to make the full spectrum of services accessible to all, extend eye care to every community, remove barriers and build a skilled eye care workforce.

Arslaan was born prematurely and admitted to the NICU for over 1.5 months. His early life was filled with pain - tiny feet and hands pricked with needles, an oxygen pipe in his nose, and a battle for survival. On the day of discharge, we were informed of his diagnosis: Stage 4B Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). That single moment changed everything. What followed were laser treatments, major surgeries, and years of follow-ups. Even in the face of discomfort and pain, Arslaan endured every procedure with quiet strength- the kind far beyond his years. That spirit of courage is what defined him. We named him Arslaan-a name that means “lion” - not for how loud he roared, but for how bravely he fought without ever giving up. Despite irreversible vision loss in his left eye, Arslaan continues to shine. He’s passionate about cricket, academically brilliant, and full of life. Inspired by his strength, I chose optometry - to bring awareness to conditions like ROP and the importance of early screening. This is more than a case — it’s a call to protect vision, act early, and believe in the resilience of even the tiniest lives.

Tefera Hiluf is a Neglected Tropical Diseases and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) expert at the Mekoni District Health Office in Tigray, Ethiopia. He works to eliminate trachoma — a preventable cause of blindness still affecting his community. His typical day begins early, often filled with travel to rural areas, community mobilisation, and overseeing house-to-house awareness raising and medicine distribution. “Although many think diseases like trachoma are a thing of the past, in reality, they are still affecting many people, particularly in remote areas,” Tefera says. “Helping to eliminate trachoma is not just about preventing a disease — it’s about preserving dignity, independence and opportunity”. Thanks to support from Light for the World, Tefera’s team has made remarkable progress: trachoma prevalence in the region has dropped from 40% to just 5%. The partnership has brought not only medicine but also education and training that ripples across the community. Tefera calls for support in the fight to eliminate trachoma in Ethiopia: “Donations are essential because they fund medication, awareness campaigns, training and WASH improvements, all of which are critical in tackling this disease effectively,” he says.

Dr. Said Hussein Gedi, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, founded Community Eye Hospital in Mogadishu in 2017 due to the lack of dedicated eye care facilities, Senior lecturer, Somali National University. The hospital currently has 10 beds and performs 10 surgeries per week, though outreach programs significantly increase this number. Plans are underway to expand capacity to 50-100 beds with support from LCIF. Dr. Gedi has conducted over 20,000 cataract and ocular surgeries across Somalia, supported by organizations like MSF, Qatar Charity, Islamic Development Bank, and Charity Vision. He also serves as a senior lecturer at Somali National University and is the Technical Advisor for National Prevention of Blindness at the Ministry of Health, leading efforts to develop Somalia’s first national eye health strategic plan since 1991. A member of Lions Club Afgoye, Dr. Gedi has led school screening programs and initiatives for children with disabilities. He expresses gratitude to the Bavarian Lions Club for sponsoring four Somali ophthalmologists. Seeking to enhance eye care services, he hopes to establish a Sister Club partnership with Lions Club Germany or Bavarian Lions Club to expand Sight First programs, improve infrastructure, train eye health workers, and acquire advanced ophthalmic equipment.

In 2017, I made a decision that surprised many, after completing my optometry studies in Pakistan, I returned home to Somalia, a country grappling with insecurity and chronic underinvestment in healthcare. I could have pursued a comfortable career in the developed countries but instead chose to go where help was needed most. 
In 2018 i cofounded and still am the deputy Director of the only faculty of Optometry in South and central Somalia, where most of the country population resides.
In addition, I am the Project Manager of an organization called Charity Vision Somalia, most of the Fridays, I travels 30 kilometers outside the capital to run eye camps, providing checkups for villagers.
In the early 2000s, my grandmother was left aphakic after undergoing cataract surgery and forced to rely on thick +10.00 diopter that left bruises on her face. Her glasses were so heavy they left painful marks on her nose, I used to tell her that one day, I’d become an eye doctor and make things better for her. Although she passed away before I could finish my education, her struggle remains a powerful source of inspiration behind my mission to make eye care more accessible for everyone. 

I came from a poor family where education was out of reach—until a scholarship allowed me to study optometry and change my future. I worked tirelessly, day and night, to earn that opportunity, and it lit a fire in me—a fire to give back. I chose public eye health, not just optometry, to ensure those in need get the care they deserve. I will fight endlessly to make eye care a right, not a privilege! During my graduation, the university president, Dr. Hiam Sakr, spoke words that have never left me: 'Lebanon needs men to match its mountains.' Those words became my mission. My purpose was bigger than a career—it was about transforming lives through vision. With that calling, I founded the Vision Care Association to bring public eye health to the forefront. We work to make eye care accessible, build awareness on preventable blindness, advocate for policies that strengthen public health, and support research shaping the future of vision care. This journey has been filled with challenges, but my vision remains clear—where eye care knows no boundaries, and no one is left behind

“To accept an idea that was never tested before is an indication of a great mind.” I first came across this sentence during my college days in Pakistan while preparing for my career in optometry. After graduating, I returned to Somalia and began working with a colleague who had a bold idea, establishing the first Faculty of Optometry in South and Central Somalia. At first, I rejected the idea, fearing the instability and security challenges Somalia faced. But then, I remembered that quote. If no one had tested this idea before, wasn’t that all the more reason to try? Determined, we approached universities, only to face rejection after rejection. Private institutions were hesitant, questioning whether students would even enroll in a program unfamiliar to the country. But we refused to give up. After persistent efforts, Aden Adde International University in Mogadishu gave us the opportunity in 2018. Today, the faculty has over 50 students and celebrated its first 11 graduates in 2024. What once seemed impossible is now shaping the future of eye care in Somalia. It all began with the courage to embrace an untested idea.

As a neurodevelopmental optometrist, I've dedicated my career to helping children with special needs achieve their full potential. But my journey to this specialization began with a chance encounter when I met a mother of a child with Down syndrome sharing the heartbreaking reality that many optical clinics turn away children with special needs, And able to set appointments to see ophthalmologists they receive rushed evaluation with little patience from them. This conversation sparked a fire within me. At that moment, I knew I can make a difference they deserved better. Driven by passion and purpose, I decided to make my optometry practice a safe, welcoming space where these children could receive the eyecare they deserved. Also, I allot minimum one hour for their eye evaluation. My experience has shown me that children with special needs require compassion, understanding, and patience. I've seen firsthand the impact that dedicated care can have on these children's lives. In sharing my story I am hoping for them to receive quality, patient-centered care and for the government to recognize the importance of tailored care and to work towards creating an inclusive, compassionate healthcare system.

My journey in eye health began with observing the inequalities in access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable communities. I saw how lack of access to eye care had a profound impact on people's quality of life and autonomy. This reality sparked a deep passion in me to fight for a more just and equitable healthcare system. My goal is to help build a world where everyone, regardless of their social condition, has access to quality eye care. I believe that health is a fundamental right and that through collaboration and innovation we can overcome the challenges that prevent universal access to healthcare. I am a passionate advocate for eye health and for the inclusion and autonomy of people with disabilities. I believe that health is a fundamental right and that through collaboration and innovation we can overcome the challenges that prevent universal access to healthcare.

I came from a poor family where education was out of reach—until a scholarship allowed me to study optometry and change my future. I worked tirelessly, day and night, to earn that opportunity, and it lit a fire in me—a fire to give back. I chose public eye health, not just optometry, to ensure those in need get the care they deserve. I will fight endlessly to make eye care a right, not a privilege! During my graduation, the university president, Dr. Hiam Sakr, spoke words that have never left me: 'Lebanon needs men to match its mountains.' Those words became my mission. My purpose was bigger than a career—it was about transforming lives through vision. With that calling, I founded the Vision Care Association to bring public eye health to the forefront. We work to make eye care accessible, build awareness on preventable blindness, advocate for policies that strengthen public health, and support research shaping the future of vision care. This journey has been filled with challenges, but my vision remains clear—where eye care knows no boundaries, and no one is left behind

My journey in eye care began in 2015 when I was 20, driven by a passion to serve underserved communities. Over the past nine years, I have worked extensively in Community Ophthalmology, focusing on strengthening primary eye care services in rural regions of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and inspired me to make a lasting impact. To enhance my skills, I completed a one-month Management Training and System Development program for Hospital Administrators at Aravind Eye Hospital, LAICO, Madurai, in 2018. This training provided valuable insights into hospital operations and outreach, shaping my approach to community eye care. Since then, I have led initiatives such as the Disability Inclusion Comprehensive Eye Health Program, Government School Screening Programs, and Rural Eye Health Initiatives, collaborating with international NGOs to expand their reach and impact. Although I initially pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, my true calling led me to complete a Master’s in Hospital Administration, equipping me with the expertise to drive sustainable healthcare programs. As I continue to grow in this field, my commitment to making quality eye care accessible to underserved populations remains unwavering.

I started my career in eye health in Haiti because I witnessed the significant impact that vision problems have on individuals and communities. This experience motivated me to pursue a path where I could make a real difference in improving access to eye care. My goal is to create sustainable solutions that ensure everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the eye care they need. I am committed to educating people about the importance of eye health and raising awareness in communities where resources are limited.nIn Haiti, where access to healthcare can be a challenge, I work to bridge the gap by offering practical solutions that empower individuals to take care of their vision. I am passionate about advocating for eye health on a larger scale, promoting systemic change, and making it a global priority. As a young leader in the field, I believe that every effort counts, and I am dedicated to bringing about lasting change that can help people see the world more clearly and live healthier lives.

My mission is to transform the scenario of eye care in Brazil by ensuring and democratizing access to quality visual health services for all. What drives me most is witnessing the moments when our work truly changes lives: children receiving eyeglasses in schools, Indigenous people seeing clearly for the first time, elderly patients regaining their vision after cataract surgery. Seeing hope and life return to their faces—like magic—is what inspires me every single day.

In 2015, at a rural eye camp in the tribal village of Phangulgavhan. I met Tula, 19-year-old crawling on his hands beside his mother. Paralyzed due to polio, his poor vision had forced him to drop out of college, convinced his dream of a dignified life was over. When my father asked, he quietly said, I can’t see the blackboard. They call me blind, handicapped. His teacher, unaware of his condition, punished him for not paying attention. All Tula wanted was a Specs. We didn’t have his high prescription at the camp, but I promised to return. Three days later, I brought his glasses back myself. When I placed them on his eyes, his face lit up and so did his future. Today, he has a job, a wife, and three children. And every year, he still visits our camps with a warm smile and a cup of tea in gratitude. Tula didn’t just regain vision, he helped me understand the true impact of our work. His story sparked Young Eyes, our school-based vision program. This is more than a story. It’s a reminder that specs can change the course of a life.

Quick, free and effective care reaches Helena Abia, 12 years old, is a student at EMEF Professor Domingos Rubino, located in São Paulo. Since she was little, her mother noticed a dark spot on her right eye, but without any apparent complaints or previous referrals. In 2024, during an action of the Avança Saúde Escolar – Ophthalmology Program, coordinated by the Suel Abujamra Institute (ISA), the team performed ophthalmological exams directly at the school and identified the lesion as a suspected conjunctival melanoma, a rare but potentially serious tumor that can compromise vision if not treated early. The response was immediate: Helena was urgently referred to the ISA Hospital, a reference in ophthalmology in the city. According to her mother, the appointment took place on a Friday at school, and the hospital contacted her the following Monday to schedule specialized care. More detailed examinations were performed, and the medical team concluded that it was a benign tumor – the most common type of conjunctival lesion. Even so, the case continues to be closely monitored, with continued use of eye drops and the possibility of surgery in the future, if the spot shows any changes.

Rosario, a hardworking mother from Oruro, Bolivia, made a living selling soft drinks during the day and flaxseed at night to support her children. However, one day she woke up to find she had completely lost her sight. In an instant, darkness took over her world. Walking without assistance became impossible, and the fear of falling paralyzed her. Faced with this harsh reality, her daughter dropped out of school to care for the family. Even so, they never stopped holding on to hope. That’s when the Eyes of the world foundation reached out a helping hand. Thanks to our support, Rosario underwent surgery that restored vision in one of her eyes. She is now waiting for a second procedure. This miracle changed her life. The day after surgery, she opened her eyes and could see again. With tears of joy, she embraced the chance to resume her daily routine and reclaim her dreams and hopes. The emotional and financial support they received helped them get back on their feet. Today, this family shows that, even when adversity seems overwhelming, with help and hope, it is always possible to overcome any obstacle and keep moving forward.

Rebeca and Yasmin:Free and ongoing treatment for childhood strabismus Rebeca and Yasmin are the same age and share another experience in common:they are both receiving free treatment for strabismus from the Suel Abujamra Institute, after being diagnosed during school visits. Rebeca lives with her mother, Erlane, her father, a gardener, and her younger brother in São Paulo. She started using a patch when she was only 1 year and 2 months old, but had to stop the treatment after the doctor who was treating her retired. It was through the Avança Saúde Escolar-Ophthalmology Program that Rebeca had access to a new evaluation and was immediately referred to the ISA hospital, where she resumed her treatment. Yasmin, who dreams of being a veterinarian, lives with her parents in the South Zone. She also has astigmatism and myopia and uses a patch and glasses. “This project is extremely important,” says her father, Joedson. “Many children need glasses and treatment, but their families can’t even afford the consultation,” adds their mother, Delva. Thanks to the project, they have access to complete ophthalmological treatment, specialized monitoring, and the chance to grow up with autonomy, self-esteem, and visual health.