You will hardly believe the transformation you can bring in two days

Did you know? If you give €250 or more to CBM in a calendar year, your donation could be worth 45% more.

“It started five years ago with the right eye. With time, my vision has gotten poorer, until I was blind,” 56-year-old Lydia Maunde from Malawi tells CBM’s Outreach Team.

Cataracts had stolen her vision, depriving her of seeing her loved ones. But more than that, blindness had robbed Lydia of her independence. Long accustomed to caring for others and tending to her crops on her small plot of land, relying on others for help was new to Lydia – and wholly unwelcome.

But thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Lydia was finally given the opportunity to see again. Her surgery was done over two days, to restore vision to both eyes.

Did you know that half of all visual impairments can be prevented or treated?

Dr Tamara, of Nkhoma Eye Hospital – a CBM-funded-hospital in Malawi since 1977 - removes the first eyepatch before pulling away, pausing for a response. To everyone’s surprise, Lydia bursts out laughing! “I was so scared at first and I didn’t want my eye to be touched by the doctor, but now I can see and everything I can do now is smile and laugh,” she says.

Back in her village, Lydia’s grandchildren can hardly believe she can see again. They flock to her, keen to test her newfound vision, and Lydia is delighted to see them.

Thanks to you, Lydia was able to see her grandchildren again

“I pray for the people at the hospital to continue their good work and I also pray for the donors to help more blind people like me. I am saying a big thank you to everyone,” Lydia says with a smile.