(FIGURE 1) Thol, 46, from Cambodia, had been completely blind for a year and a half. She had never seen her baby, Cheet, until this moment. Now that Thol can see again, she is working and supporting the family, and the children are going to school.

(FIGURE 2) Francine, 76, is from the Eastern Province of Rwanda and had been totally blind for more than 3 years. A widow for 30 years, she had a lot of difficulty working and cooking for herself, which made her life miserable. It was left to Francine’s neighbour to take care of her, take her to church and regularly visit her.

(FIGURE 3) When Ciku Mathenge, MD, successfully removed Francine’s cataracts she cried with joy. Francine said: “I am very happy to see my home, thank you. My house is older than before! I will be able to cook again. I am happy to work.” Francine’s local community was shocked but thrilled that she could see again and came out to celebrate.