Safia I., 1

Baby Safia Islam, a one-month-old premature twin, was born at just 34 weeks of gestation, weighing 2,300 grams, alongside her sister Safa, who weighed 1,800 grams. Both girls have been diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a serious eye condition that threatens their vision. Their father, Jahirul Islam, an assistant teacher earning only 10,000 Taka per month, struggles to provide for his wife Sabina Akter, their four young children, and his elderly mother. The family lives in a small rented tin house in Chandpur, barely managing daily needs, leaving them unable to afford the BDT 18,000 needed for life-saving eye injections. Without urgent treatment, both twins could lose their eyesight permanently, but with timely help, they have a real chance to see the world and grow up healthy and full of hope.

Safia Islam, a 1-month-old baby girl, was diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in both eyes, a condition that required immediate treatment to prevent potential vision loss. To stop the abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, Anti-VEGF injections were administered by Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, the hospital’s ROP Specialist. The treatment process was handled with great care, and her condition was closely monitored during follow-up visits. Safia responded well to the injections, and gradual improvement was observed in her retinal health. The abnormal blood vessel growth is now under control, and the retinal condition has improved significantly. Doctors are hopeful that she will develop clear vision as she grows older. Special thanks to Helpster Charity and Helpster Heroes for their generous support in helping protect her eyesight.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, ROP Specialist at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, baby Safia urgently needs Anti-VEGF (Avastin) injections in both eyes to prevent the worsening of her retinal condition. They strongly recommend immediate treatment, followed by routine eye check-ups and follow-up sessions. The doctors are hopeful that with timely intervention, Safia’s eyesight can be completely restored, giving her the ability to see and live a normal, bright future. However, if the treatment is delayed, the abnormal blood vessels may cause permanent retinal damage, leading to irreversible blindness. The doctors emphasize that early action is the key to saving Safia’s sight and giving her the precious gift of vision.