Restoring sight loss in rural Kenya

Benedetta, aged 72, greeted us with her arms wide open, full of energy and joy. She welcomed us like old friends – with hugs, laughter, and even dancing. Despite the need for an interpreter, it was instantly clear what a character she is. She has a sharp sense of humour and had us all in fits of laughter with a story about a mischievous cow escaping into a neighbour’s maize field! 

Yet behind her warmth is an incredible story of resilience and transformation. 

Four years ago, Benedetta noticed that her sight was becoming blurred in her right eye. As time went on, she realised she was losing her eyesight, until just over a year ago she found herself living in darkness.  Not knowing the cause and what was happening, Benedetta was worried and frightened. 

In Benedetta’s remote part of Kenya many people live in poverty. The lack of education and training means there is little knowledge and understanding of conditions such as cataract. When she first sought help, Benedetta was told her sight loss could not be treated. She thought she would remain blind, unable to see her grandchildren, unable to tend to her field and needing support to do everyday tasks, like cooking, or even going to the toilet. 

 “I could not even recognise who was coming to visit me, including my own daughter,” explained Benedetta. “I felt very bad, I could not cook, I could not do anything, I was just there, I felt helpless. I had problems going to church, I needed somebody to hold my hand and take me, but the main challenge was being at home by myself, doing my farming, cooking. All I could do was sit alone and not go anywhere.” 

CBM UK recently started a new project to support people with sight loss in the region, alongside our partner, the IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital. A core part of this project is screening people in remote communities to identify those with disabilities and sight loss. Earlier this year, a trained community volunteer carried her first outreach camp near to where Benedetta lived.  

Benedetta was identified as needing urgent cataract surgery. With support from CBM UK donors, she was able to have both eyes operated on in May this year – free of charge. 

The impact has been life changing. 

The first thing Benedetta did when she returned home was cook her favourite meal, ugali. She can farm again, care for her grandchildren, and attend church services without needing someone to guide her. Most importantly, she can once again see the faces of her family. “It was so embarrassing not to recognise my own daughter,” she said. “Now I feel very happy that I am able to see.” 

As we sat together outside her home, I felt humbled and overwhelmed by her story – and by the incredible welcome she gave us. What struck me most was her gratitude: to God, to the hospital team, and to CBM UK supporters who made her surgery possible. 

Meeting her was a powerful reminder of why CBM UK’s work matters. A simple, low-cost surgery – made possible by the generosity of CBM UK donors – has given Benedetta back her independence, her laughter, and her life. 

Find out more about our work in Kenya