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65-year-old farmer
Location: Ethiopia
Organisation: Cure Blindness Project
For an entire year, 65-year-old Ethiopian farmer Gezachew lived in near darkness after cataracts developed in both of his eyes.
Farming had always been his life, but as his vision got worse, simple tasks became impossible. He could no longer care for his fields, harvest his crops, or provide for his family the way he once had. Losing his sight also took a toll on his confidence. As his productivity declined, financial pressures grew, and concerns about his family and what others might think kept him from seeking treatment.
Then everything changed.
Gezachew heard about free cataract surgeries supported by Cure Blindness Project and decided to give it a chance. The surgery was a success. After months of living with blurred vision, he could finally see clearly again—the faces of his family, the land he loves, and the world around him.
Getting his sight back gave him so much more than better vision. It gave him hope. Today, Gezachew is excited to return to farming, support his family again, and enjoy the independence he thought he had lost.
His story is a beautiful reminder that restoring sight doesn't just help someone see again—it helps them regain their confidence, their livelihood, and the chance to look toward the future with hope.

