Ngulube Phiri

Since an early age, Ngulube had been a farmer. As he grew older his eyes started to deteriorate, and work had become a problem for him. Ngulube was still physically healthy and had the desire to work, but his poor eyesight forced him into early retirement.

After an eye examination, it was found out that Ngulube need a +17.00 correction in both eyes. He had never had a pair of spectacles before in his life. It had been so long since he been able to see normally, he could hardly remember how to read the different letters on the eye chart.

Jessica Webber was the volunteer optometrist who tested Ngulube’s eyes. For the cost of a cup of coffee, she was able to restore his sight and his dignity. Jessica explained “he came to me as a blind man and left with his sight. Moments like this were very moving!”

Derek

In July 2002, a Vision Aid Overseas team in Zambia came across a boy named Derek, who was attending a school for blind children at Ndola, 400 miles from his home. An eye examination revealed that he would be able to see with the help  of strong spectacles.

Fortunately, the team had an appropriate pair with them which gave Derek almost normal vision. He returned to live with his parents and 2 brothers and resumed mainstream education. Most blind schools in Africa contain children who would not be there if they had spectacles.

Martha

On a project to Malawi, VAO volunteer Graham Ridgewell examined a girl named Martha. She was about 17 and an albino. Like most albinos she suffered in bright sunlight and could only see clearly within 6 inches of her face so she was functionally blind and unable to go to school. The team had a pair of strong spectacles and when she was given them her first words were “Now I shall be able to go to school!”

Commenting on his experience Graham said “I shall remember what I did that day forever. In 20 minutes I transformed Martha’s life. Instead of being blind, she could see well enough to lead a normal existence”.