Restoring Vision, and Independence, to a Local Leader

Nelson Ogwal's vision began to deteriorate in 2014. Living in Agali, Uganda, a village located 20 minutes from the closest eye hospital in Lira and approximately 200 miles north of Kampala, he didn't receive treatment and eventually became completely blind. As a chairman of his village, a farmer, a husband, a father of eight, and a grandfather of six, Nelson's ability to support his family abruptly ended when he lost his vision. Nelson's wife, Esther Ogwal, had to double her responsibilities on their farm, in taking care of the children and grandchildren, and in caring for Nelson.

Nelson's family brought him to Lira for an eye screening, and he was recommended for cataract surgery. As he waited in the Lira Eye Department hospital ward, he told Seva staff that when he could see again he would work on his farm to support his family and help his daughter's clothes-selling business. But, most importantly, he stated regaining his sight would make his life meaningful again.

Seva provides support to the Lira Eye Department through the non-profit Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO). Funds from KCCO support essentials like fuel to travel to communities, surgical instruments, and intra-ocular lenses for cataract patients.

After a successful surgery on one of his eyes, Nelson's wife was relieved and his children were happy and comforted in the fact that Nelson could support the family once again. Nelson will have to return for surgery on his other eye but, he says, "Today, I am alright. I'm seeing very well. And I'm very, very happy of what happened."

In helping to restore Nelson's sight, Seva helped him to reengage with the world, financially support his family, and lighten his wife's caretaking load.