Maria A., 16

Maria Akter, a bright 16-year-old Class 10 student, is full of dreams and determination, but her eyesight is fading rapidly due to developmental cataracts in both eyes. Her father, once a van driver, now struggles to earn only 8,000 Taka a month as a sales assistant after a hand injury, which is barely enough to feed their five-member family living in a small tin-shed house. With her elder brother still in training and her younger sister in primary school, the family has no way to manage the 81,000 Taka needed for her urgent eye surgery. Despite her gentle character and love for learning, Maria is now almost unable to study, read, or even recognize people clearly. Without treatment, she risks permanent vision loss, which would shatter her dreams of education and leave her future in darkness, making immediate support her only hope

Maria, a 16-year-old student, required cataract surgery in her left eye as the cataract was causing blurred vision and difficulty in her daily activities and studies. The surgery was successfully performed under local anesthesia by Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sk, Chief Consultant of the Hospital, ensuring a safe and smooth procedure. Throughout the treatment process, Maria was closely monitored by the medical team. She responded well to the surgery and experienced a steady recovery. After the operation, her discomfort reduced significantly, and her visual acuity improved. She is now able to see clearly and continue her education without visual limitations. The successful outcome has brought great relief and happiness to her family. Special thanks to Helpster Charity and Helpster Heroes for supporting her to regain vision in the operated eye.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Rashedur Rahman, Senior Consultant at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, Maria urgently needs cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in both eyes. The doctors are hopeful that with timely surgery, Maria’s eyesight can be restored, enabling her to return to school, continue her studies, and live a fulfilling life. However, if left untreated, she will remain blind in both eyes, cutting her off from education and a normal childhood, and leaving her dependent on others for the rest of her life. With immediate support, Maria can regain her sight, independence, and the chance to pursue her dream of education and a brighter future.