Hand in Hand Toward Hope and Healing
For years, Dane and his wife, Jarma, have lived and worked together in the remote hills of Jumla, Nepal.
Dane, 66, is a skilled local goldsmith who has spent his life crafting delicate ornaments for people in his community. Jarma, 60, has always been his right hand, assisting him in his small workshop while caring for their home and raising their three school-going children.
Over the past year, both Dane and Jarma noticed a troubling change. Their vision, particularly in their left eyes, was gradually fading. As time passed, their right eyes also began to blur. Everyday tasks that once came naturally became increasingly difficult. Dane struggled with the precision his craft demanded, while Jarma found cooking, household chores, and even recognizing familiar faces more challenging.
Although they knew they needed medical attention, seeking treatment felt impossible. The nearest eye hospital was a two-day bus journey away. For a family already facing financial constraints, the costs of travel, accommodation, and treatment placed care far beyond their reach.
Hope arrived when an eye screening camp was organized in their village through a collaboration between the local municipality, Himalaya Eye Hospital, the Ruit Foundation and Cure Blindness Project. During the screening, an ophthalmic assistant examined both Dane and Jarma and identified cataract in their left eyes, along with early signs of cataract in their right eyes.
Even after receiving the diagnosis, the couple hesitated.
“Who will look after our children and our cattle?” they wondered.
Leaving their responsibilities behind was not an easy decision. Fortunately, kind neighbors stepped forward and offered to care for their family and livestock while they were away. Encouraged by this support, Dane and Jarma finally decided to seek treatment.
When they arrived at the surgical eye camp, both were nervous about the surgery. But knowing they were going through it together gave them confidence. They held each other’s hands tightly as they waited for the procedure.
The following morning, when their bandages were removed, Dane and Jarma smiled in disbelief as they could see clearly again.
The world around them appeared clear, bright, and sharp, just as it had years before. Faces came back into focus. Everyday tasks no longer felt like obstacles. Dane could once again return to the intricate work he loved, and Jarma could manage her daily activities with confidence and ease.
Restored sight meant they could return to the work and responsibilities that their family depended on. It allowed them to regain their independence and continue supporting their household.
Today, Dane is back at his workbench crafting ornaments, while Jarma continues to support both the household and his work. With their sight restored, the couple can once again care for their family, manage their daily responsibilities, and earn a living.
Dane and Jarma's story serves as a powerful reminder that no one should lose their sight to a treatable condition. With timely diagnosis and access to surgery, cataracts can be successfully treated, restoring sight and helping people return to their families, work, and communities.
