Our recent Flying Eye Hospital project to strengthen eye care in Ghana was a great success, with dozens of patients receiving life-changing surgery — many of them children.
During the three-week training program, local eye health professionals built new skills across a range of surgical procedures. At the same time, 40 patients can now look ahead with clearer vision and renewed confidence.
Below, meet Afia, Jedd, Christabel, Alvin and Lady — five young lives transformed thanks to Orbis supporters and partners.
Meet Afia, a happy, energetic six-year-old from Ghana who loves reading and riding her bike. She already dreams of becoming a doctor. But Afia’s ambition was being held back by strabismus (misalignment of the eyes).
Her mom first noticed something was wrong when Afia was just three months old. To focus, Afia had to tilt her head — affecting her balance and her learning at school.
Thanks to Orbis supporters, Afia received life-changing eye muscle surgery at our partner Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
When she saw herself in the mirror afterwards, Afia smiled with newfound confidence. Her mom shared: “When she opened her eyes, I was so happy. I wanted to shout.” Now, Afia can look forward to a brighter, more independent future.
Three-year-old Jedd has spent most of his young life living with a painful and isolating eye condition. Born with an obstructed tear duct, Jedd experienced constant discharge and discomfort. His parents shared that reading at night was difficult — and daily cleaning caused him distress.
Other children often avoided him, leaving his family heartbroken. At Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, volunteer surgeon Dr. Sima Das performed a delicate procedure to clear the blockage.
The surgery was an instant success. Now, Jedd can see clearly and confidently — and his parents are relieved after years of searching for answers.
His dad said:“I just hope he gets to fulfil his dreams. As a father, I’m just happy that my kid is happy.”
Jedd and his parents ahead of surgery to treat his obstructed tear duct.
Christabel, six, from a small rural village in Ghana was born with bilateral esotropia — a form of strabismus — and has already faced enormous challenges.
Her vision difficulties made everyday life harder, while unkind comments about her appearance deeply affected both Christabel and her mom.
During our Flying Eye Hospital program in Kumasi, Christabel received eye muscle surgery performed by volunteer specialist Dr. Carlos Solarte. The procedure corrected around 50% of her eye alignment — an important first step, with further treatment planned.
Christabel’s mom shared her hopes for the future: “I just wish that after the surgery my child will see properly, can do things well, and can progress in her life and career.”
Thanks to Orbis supporters, Christabel’s dream of becoming a nurse is now within reach.
Regina
Christabel's mom
“I just wish that after the surgery my child will see properly, can do things well, and can progress in her life and career.”
Six-year-old Alvin is a bright, bubbly little boy who recently traveled for hours with his family to Kumasi for surgery to remove a vision-threatening dermoid cyst.
His mom admitted she felt nervous as the condition had worsened as Alvin grew.
But thanks to the skill of volunteer surgeon Dr. Sima Das, the surgery was a success. When the bandages came off, Alvin’s mom finally felt relief: “I saw that everything was fine.”
Today, Alvin is on the path to clearer vision — and a childhood full of play, learning, and confidence.
At just three years old, Lady is already showing huge potential.
Diagnosed with strabismus at one, she had to tilt her head to see clearly.
Her parents searched for help for months before learning she could be treated at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital — but worried about how they would afford the surgery.
Thanks to Orbis supporters, Lady underwent surgery free of charge, performed by volunteer surgeon Dr. Carlos Solarte.
Her mom recalled the moments before the operation: “I was very upset then, but when I met them, I calmed right down.”
With brighter sight and a clear path ahead, Lady can now reach for the stars.
Thanks to the dedication of our wonderful partners, the expertise of our volunteer medical teams, and the generous support of the Orbis community, these five children can look forward to a future full of possibility.
Together, we’re helping build a world where everyone can access quality eye care — no matter where they live.
Help us improve eye care for communities in Ghana!
