Hao from Lao PDR began to lose his sight when he was just five years old. He had to be led around by hand and sadly, this meant
he couldn’t go to school anymore. His father stopped working to care for him, and Hao, who was once a happy cheeky boy, became shy and quiet.
I thought my boy would die. It was so hard, and we could only think about our child.”
- Hao's father
Hao and his father travelled to visit the only ophthalmologist in their province who worked in a clinic built by The Fred Hollows Foundation. It was their last hope. Luckily, Hao was able to have the cataract surgery he needed.
But when his patches came off, Hao still couldn’t see. When his father called out to him, Hao walked past him.
Everyone was heartbroken.
Thankfully, over the coming days, Hao’s sight came back. When we returned to check on his progress, we were welcomed by Hao and his friends running down the hill behind their village. It was truly a great moment. Hao is now back at school and his father is also working again so he can support the family.
The doctor has done it, now everything is as good as before. I am so very happy.
- Hao's father.
Hao is now 13 years old, excelling at school and serving his local village as a monk. Hao lives with seven other young monks in northern Lao PDR. The monks play an important role in their village, taking on responsibility for special ceremonies like house blessings and funeral services.
Every day at 5am Hao wakes up and receives his daily ration of sticky rice. Eating just twice a day, monks like Hao lead a life of discipline and sacrifice.
But Hao is not just a monk. He is also a full-time 4th-grader at the local public school. In his recent midterm exams, Hao topped his class.
The surgeon who operated on Hao, Dr Phetsamone Indara, undertakes some standard vision tests and is elated with the teenager’s progress. “It's 100% good and his eyes look normal. No complications at all," he said.
With support from The Fred Hollows Foundation, Hao received sight-saving surgery from Dr Phetsamone. Without the support of The Foundation and the skill of Dr Phetsamone, our A+ monk wouldn't be where he is right now.
This is yet another example of how your donations make a long lasting impact to individuals around the world. You’re unlocking the potential of young children, women, parents and grandparents to live with independence and dignity.
Please donate today.