Sanjida A., 17

Seventeen-year-old Sanjida Akter is a gentle and loving girl who, despite her mental disability, brings quiet warmth to her small family through her smiles and reactions to familiar voices. She lives with her parents and two younger sisters in a tin-made house in a remote char area, where her father earns only about 7,000 Taka per month working on others’ land, an income that barely covers food and basic needs. The cost of her cataract surgery is far beyond what the family can afford, especially after spending their small savings on medical visits and travel. Now completely blind in both eyes, Sanjida depends entirely on her mother and sisters even to move safely inside the house. Without urgent surgery, she may remain permanently blind, deepening her dependency and isolation, and leaving her unable to ever see the faces of the family who care for her so devotedly.

Sanjida Akter, a 17-year-old girl, required cataract surgery in her both eyes as the cataract was causing blurred vision and making it difficult for her to study and carry out daily activities. The surgery was successfully performed under anesthesia by Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sk, Chief Consultant of the Hospital, ensuring a safe and smooth procedure. Throughout the treatment process, Sanjida was carefully monitored by the medical team to ensure proper recovery. The surgery went well without complications, and she responded positively after the operation. Gradually, her discomfort reduced and her eye began to heal properly. Her visual acuity has improved significantly, and she can now see clearly. This improvement has greatly helped her return to her normal activities and studies. Heartfelt 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, Sanjida requires immediate cataract surgery with IOL implantation in both eyes. The doctors strongly believe that the surgery has a high success rate, and if performed promptly, Sanjida’s vision can be fully restored. They have emphasized the urgency of the operation, as prolonged delay may lead to irreversible damage to her eye structures, making recovery more difficult. The doctors have assured that after the surgery, with proper follow-up and care, Sanjida will be able to see clearly again and regain her connection with her surroundings. However, without the surgery, she will remain permanently blind — her life confined to darkness and complete dependence on her family. The estimated cost of this treatment is BDT 81,000, an amount the family simply cannot manage on their own.