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. Boniface, Eveline’s husband, worked hard transporting water, but his modest income barely covered food and rent. 

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

“God has answered our prayers,” Boniface said, overwhelmed with emotion as his wife and children began to see again. 

Eveline could 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 remain the leading cause of blindness—yet access to treatment is scarce, especially in remote areas. 

The crisis is even greater for women, who are less likely than men to receive surgery. And in a country of over 40 million people, fewer than 50 eye doctors work outside Nairobi. 

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

Photo credit: Hugh Rutherford

But your support is changing that. 

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. 

Help families get the eye care they deserve 

One year later, everything has changed. Because of you, Eveline’s family can see a brighter future.

Photo credit: Mark Maina

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. “Even the area chief has invited me to events,” Boniface said.

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.