Ruhani A., 13

Thirteen-year-old Ruhani Akter is a gentle, hardworking Class 7 student who dreams of becoming a teacher and bringing education to children in her village, but her future is now at serious risk. Her father, Emran Hossain, earns only about BDT 7,500 a month as a day laborer, barely enough to feed the family, while her mother Salma Akter cares for the household, her elderly grandmother Khadiza Begum, and Ruhani’s brother Shamim, who had to leave school early to learn tailoring. Living in a small tin house on borrowed land, the family has no savings or property to afford the urgent eye treatment Ruhani needs. Diagnosed with Retinal Vein Occlusion in both eyes at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Ruhani may lose her eyesight permanently if treatment costing BDT 40,500 is delayed, ending her education and independence forever. The family learned about Helpster Charity through Nasima Akter, Counselor of the Pediatric Unit, and now desperately hopes for support to save Ruhani’s vision and her dreams.

Ruhani Akter, a 13-years old girl, was experiencing serious vision problems due to retinal complications that required immediate medical intervention. After diagnosis, she received Anti-VEGF injections and PRP laser treatment in both eyes under the expert care of Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Retina Specialist of the Hospital. These treatments were essential to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent further vision loss. The procedures were carried out successfully and without complications, and Ruhani responded very well to the treatment. Her vision has significantly improved, and she now feels comfortable and can see clearly again. The improvement in her eyesight has helped her regain confidence and continue her studies and daily activities with ease. Her family is extremely happy and grateful for the positive outcome. Sincere thanks to Helpster Charity and the Helpster Heroes for their generous support in helping Ruhani Akter restore her vision and lead a brighter life.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Retina Specialist at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Ruhani’s prognosis is positive only if treatment is started immediately. They have explained that the Anti-VEGF injection will help reduce retinal swelling, and the laser treatment will prevent further damage by sealing abnormal blood vessels. With timely intervention, Ruhani can regain much of her vision and return to her normal life and schooling. However, if left untreated, her condition will worsen and may lead to permanent blindness in both eyes, robbing her of education, independence, and hope for a brighter future. The total cost of Ruhani’s required treatment is BDT 40,500, an amount far beyond what her father can earn through his daily labor work. Her family is deeply distressed and helpless, as they desperately want to save their daughter’s eyesight but cannot afford the life-changing treatment.