Eveline's Story

When everything seemed lost, sight brought it back 

In a small village in Kenya, Eveline and her family were facing an unimaginable challenge. 

Eveline was blind. So were two of her four children—seven-year-old Ruth and two-year-old Vincent. Their days were filled with struggle and uncertainty, and every hope for the future was slipping away. 

“I have no eyes to see and do things on my own,” Eveline said. She had once earned a living selling chips at the local market. But when her vision failed, so did her ability to provide for her family. 

Thanks to you, Eveline and Ruth finally had the chance to get their eyes tested—and their lives back on track.

Photo credit: Hugh Rutherford

Their daughter Ruth had already repeated her school level twice, relying on her older brother to do her homework. Little Vincent couldn’t run and play like other kids. Eveline, unable to see, spent her days sitting at home, unable to cook for her children or manage household tasks. Most heartbreaking of all, she couldn’t ensure their safety.

Her wish was simple—just like any mother’s: for her children to have healthy vision, to be independent, and to have a better future.

Then, everything changed—because of kind supporters like you. 

Thanks to a partnership with the Ruma Women Development CBO and The Fred Hollows Foundation, Eveline, Ruth and Vincent were brought to Sabatia Eye Hospital, where they each received life-changing cataract surgery. 

With your help, all three received expert care at hospital—bringing hope to a family on the brink.

Photo credit: Hugh Rutherford

“I can see clearly now! I’m so grateful to the community organisation and The Fred Hollows Foundation for helping us regain our sight,” Eveline said with joy.

She can now walk safely, prepare food, and contribute to the household. Ruth returned to school with new confidence, proudly keeping up in class and thriving in maths. And little Vincent finally got to do what every child should—play freely with friends. 

Why your help matters 

Eveline’s story is not unique. In Kenya, more than 328,000 people are blind and 750,000 are visually impaired. Cataracts are the leading cause—accounting for 43% of blindness cases, with 14,500 new cases every year.

Women face even greater barriers. They are more likely to be blind, yet less likely to access eye care and surgery.

Eye doctors are in critically short supply. Half of Kenya’s ophthalmologists are based in Nairobi, leaving fewer than 50 to serve the remaining 40 million people across the country.

This simple eye test was the first step to a new beginning. Your support made it possible

Photo credit: Hugh Rutherford

Help families get the eye care they deserve 

When you give to The Fred Hollows Foundation, you’re helping train local health workers, reach families in need, and provide critical eye surgeries—just like you did for Eveline’s family. 

One year on, the transformation is remarkable. Ruth is excelling at school. Vincent is a joyful, energetic boy. And Eveline has joined a local women's savings group, proudly managing money and regaining her independence. 

Neighbours who once looked down on the family now show admiration and respect. Her family is gradually being accepted by the community.

Fred Hollows believed that where you live should not determine whether you can see. His work across Africa showed how sight-saving surgery could lift families out of poverty and restore dignity. 

Today, you can carry on that legacy. Donate now and help change another family’s life.