According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.26 million children in the world are blind. Three quarters of those children live in the developing regions of Africa and Asia. One year old Kehinde has already learned that life can be hard. He lives with his mother Shola and twin brother Taiye on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria. Taiye runs around freely while Kehinde is more cautious as he cannot see clearly. Shola noticed a clouding of Kehinde’s eyes, she was worried for his future so when she learned that ORBIS was coming to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital she took her son there.

Dr Zion assesses Kehinde

Dr. Dupe, who has been trained and mentored by ORBIS over the six years ORBIS has worked in the country, saw Kehinde and referred him to the ORBIS programme. Both cataracts were removed and when it was time to remove the patches over his eyes, the biggest smile lit up his tiny face and within minutes he was a vibrant, playful child again.

Christmas is an amazing, colourful time in many African countries with festivities, parades, and dancing. This year, when the festivities start, Shola will be enjoying that unforgettable look on Kehinde’s face again. The true Christmas spirit will be found in the eyes of her child. Please help us now and give more children the Christmas and future they deserve. To learn more about the Flying Eye Hospital visit to Nigeria and meet more people who have had their lives changed by ORBIS watch this EyeReport.