In His Words: Hussein

In his words, Hussein:

“For the past three years, my world grew increasingly dim. As a 76-year-old miner from the Mbeya region of Tanzania, I watched helplessly as cataracts clouded my vision, first in my left eye, then in my right. The gradual loss of sight took a heavy toll on my life and work. Reading the news, a beloved daily ritual, became impossible. My smartphone, once a vital connection to the world, was replaced with a basic phone. Navigating my gold mines in Chunya became a perilous task, and the loss of vision left me vulnerable to theft by some of my own employees.

“I sought treatment three times, hoping for a solution. Each visit ended in disappointment, with doctors referring me to other hospitals. Just as I was preparing for a fourth attempt, luck intervened. An outreach program by Cure Blindness Project and Helen Keller International, in collaboration with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, brought hope to my doorstep. They offered free cataract surgeries, and I knew this was my chance.

“The surgery itself was a straightforward procedure. I was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as the medical team worked on my eyes. When the bandages came off the next day, I blinked in disbelief. The world around me came into sharp focus. I could see clearly for the first time in three years. The colors, the light, and the faces of the people around me were a sight for sore eyes.

“The first thing I did was test my new vision. I looked at my surroundings, taking in the details I had missed for so long. The joy I felt was overwhelming. The next thing I did was find my smartphone. To my delight, I could read the screen clearly. I eagerly checked the news updates, something I had sorely missed. My passion for staying informed was reignited.

“Returning to my gold mines with clear vision was a revelation. The work that had become a dangerous struggle was now manageable again. I could supervise my employees effectively and ensure the operations ran smoothly. The threat of being taken advantage of had vanished. I felt a renewed sense of control and confidence in my work.

“My wife, who had been my steadfast support through these difficult years, was overjoyed. She had seen me at my lowest, struggling with the simplest tasks, and now she shared in my triumph. We celebrated my restored sight together, grateful for the second chance at life this surgery had given us.

“I want to share a message with others who might be suffering as I did: Do not lose hope. If cataracts or any other affliction has taken your vision, seek treatment. Vision is the most important thing in life. It brings independence, confidence, and joy. The outreach program gave me back my sight, my work, and my passion for life.

“Now, I am able to enjoy my favorite activities once again. I can read the news, use my smartphone, and watch television. Each day feels like a new beginning, filled with possibilities I thought were lost forever. My life has found new meaning and vigor, and I am determined to make the most of every moment.

“The outreach program and the dedicated surgeons have my deepest gratitude. Their work has transformed my life in ways I never imagined possible. I am a testament to the power of hope and the miracles that modern medicine can achieve. If you or someone you know is suffering from vision loss, take heart. There is help available, and it can change your life just as it changed mine.”