Arafa I., 10

Arafa Islam is a bright and cheerful 9-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a teacher someday, but her vision has been steadily worsening due to Congenital Cataract and Myopia. She lives with her parents, Md Sohel Hossain, a hardworking driver earning around BDT 8,000 to 9,000 per month, and her mother, Kiron Akhter, who stays at home to care for her and her two brothers—14-year-old Md Ismail Hossain and 7-year-old Md Ali Shanto—in a small rented house. Despite her loving family’s efforts, they cannot afford the costly BDT 90,000 surgery she urgently needs to save her eyesight. Arafa is an active girl who loves reading and helping in the kitchen, but now she struggles to see clearly, recognize faces, or even move around easily. If she doesn’t get the surgery soon, she risks permanent blindness, which would end her dreams of learning and leave her unable to enjoy life’s simple joys.

Arafa Islam, a 10-year-old girl, was diagnosed with a cataract in her left eye, which was causing blurred vision and difficulty in seeing clearly. To restore her eyesight and prevent further vision loss, she underwent cataract surgery under anesthesia by Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sk, Chief Consultant of the Hospital. The surgery was performed successfully with great care and precision, ensuring Arafa’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Her recovery process went smoothly, and her visual acuity has shown remarkable improvement since the operation. Arafa can now see clearly and participate confidently in her studies and daily activities. She feels much more comfortable and happy after regaining her sight. The outcome of the treatment has been very positive, and her family is relieved to see her vision restored. Sincere thanks to Helpster Charity and the Helpster Heroes for their generous support in helping Arafa get back her vision and quality of life.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Rashedur Rahman Talukder, Senior Consultant of Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, Arafa’s condition is operable and has a positive prognosis if addressed in time. The doctors strongly recommend immediate surgery for both eyes to implant intraocular lenses that will replace her clouded natural lenses and correct the refractive error due to pathological myopia. Post-surgery, Arafa is expected to regain a significant portion of her vision, allowing her to resume her studies and daily activities. However, they also warn that any delay in treatment will increase the risk of irreversible blindness, especially given the progressive nature of her condition.