From desperation to joy, all because of you
Your kindness led to life-changing cataract surgery for Eveline, Ruth and Vincent.
With support from the Ruma Women Development CBO, The Fred Hollows Foundation was able to reach the family in their remote village and bring them to Sabatia Eye Hospital. There, the medical team performed surgery on one eye for each family member, with plans to operate on the other eye later.
When they returned home, Boniface was overjoyed. “God has answered our prayers,” he said, overwhelmed with gratitude.
Eveline, Ruth, and Vincent could now see again. Eveline’s vision improvement was particularly meaningful for her, as she now had the chance to live a more independent life. “I can see you very clearly. I’m so happy to the CBO and The Fred Hollows Foundation. We can see again,” she said.
Blindness and vision loss in Kenya
In Kenya, access to quality eye care is limited—but your support is helping to change that.
A growing crisis for eye health
More than 328,000 people in Kenya are blind, with 750,000 visually impaired.
Cataracts are the leading cause
Cataracts cause 43% of blindness in Kenya. Every year, around 14,500 new cases of cataract are discovered.
Women face greater barriers
Women experience higher rates of blindness, but fewer receive surgery than men.
Specialists in the country are limited
Eye care services are limited—half of all ophthalmologists work in Nairobi, leaving 40 million people with less than 50 eye doctors.
One year on, from struggle to strength
One year later, the family’s situation is much brighter. At school, Ruth is excelling. She can now clearly see the blackboard, and her teachers praise her enthusiasm, particularly in maths. Ruth is thriving academically, and her self-esteem is soaring.
Though Vincent is still too young for school, he can now play with his friends, something he couldn’t do before.
Eveline has also been able to join a local social enterprise, the "chama," which pools resources at the community level. “Previously, I couldn’t join because I lacked an income and struggled to count my change. But now, everything has changed,” she shares with a smile.
The family’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. Boniface says that neighbours, who once spoke negatively about them, now show respect and admiration. “Even the area chief has taken notice, personally inviting me to community events,” he says proudly.
Why your help matters
Treating blindness isn’t just life-changing—it’s one of the best investments we can make.
- Without sight, a child faces a lifetime of disadvantage, including lower employment chances and social isolation.
- 75% of learning happens through vision—children who are blind struggle to access education.
- In low-income countries, blind children are often kept at home due to stigma and lack of resources.
- In Kenya, every $1 invested in cataract treatment creates a $52 economic return.
It all started with Fred
The Foundation was founded in Australia by Professor Fred Hollows — a pioneering surgeon who disrupted global health norms and revolutionized cataract surgery.
Fred didn’t believe in charity — he believed in training local doctors, driving innovation, and breaking down systemic barriers.
“What we’re doing is revolutionary. We’re giving people the chance to help themselves.” – Fred Hollows
Today, that same disruptive spirit drives our work across the globe.
