In Zambia. blindness is estimated to be 2%, resulting in 389,200 blind people, with cataracts accounting for 50% of all cases, followed by glaucoma, trachoma, refractive errors, corneal opacities, and diabetic retinopathy, to name a few. Luapula province in Zambia is one of the most affected by avoidable blindness.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Lion Aid Zambia and Lion Club International has been working to reduce avoidable blindness in Luapula province.
Joyce Ng’ambi, 55, of Mansa District, has suffered blindness since 2019, until recently when she got her eyesight back after a successful operation at Mansa General Hospital. She explains that she suffered from blindness in 2019 and she was taken to the hospital in 2021.
“I used to sell Kapenta at the market and when I started experiencing blindness, I thought that maybe it was due to staying long hours in the sun light that was distorting my vision. In the end I completely lost my vision and that is how my son took me to the hospital,” She explains.
Joyce underwent cataract surgery at one of the cataract surgical outreach camps in Mansa and is now a Comprehensive Eye Health Project beneficiary. She describes how her life has improved since her sight was restored following successful eye surgery.
She gives thanks to God and the medical personnel that have assisted restore her sight.
More details are in this interview: