Nayab’s most important test

Sight loss isn’t always painful, and it isn’t always obvious. Imagine a world that slowly fades into a blur, where even simple tasks like reading become too challenging.

This is the reality for children like Nayab, who have undiagnosed sight conditions. Sight loss can affect their confidence, independence and chances of staying in school – which can have a profound and lasting impact on their future.

It’s estimated that five million children in Pakistan are living with refractive error, including problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, and many others are struggling with hidden cataracts. But there are many barriers to overcoming sight loss, not least the difficulty families can face trying to access tests and treatment.

Sightsavers’ school health programme in Pakistan is training teachers to detect eye problems early, ensuring children like Nayab receive the critical treatment they need. And your donation can make a difference.

Once she received her cataract diagnosis, Nayab was referred to her local hospital for surgery to prevent permanent sight loss. The clouded lens in her eye was removed and, within a few hours, her sight was restored.

Miss Ismat has noticed the transformation in Nayab, and said: “Now she has become very active and participates in every activity. Wherever she sits in class, she can easily see the board.”

Nayab’s story is one of triumph; a cataract operation restored her sight, confidence and her enjoyment of school. But there are millions more children living with sight loss. Please will you help the school eye health project to reach them?