Shalom’s story in pictures

Do you remember Shalom? She could barely see because of the cataracts clouding her eyes and had to stop going to school. But, thanks to CBM supporters, this 5 year-old from Uganda has had sight-restoring surgery and can see again! Once timid and sad, she’s now lively, happy and giggles a lot. And she’s delighted to be back in school.

You can relive Shalom’s story here…

Shalom was just three years old when her mother, Fridah, noticed a problem with her vision – she was blinking and squinting a lot in the sun. At five, Shalom can barely see because of the cataracts clouding her sight.

Other children can be cruel, calling Shalom names and throwing her toy doll on the floor, knowing that she will struggle to find it and pick it up. “She cries often and comes to me to tell me: ‘Mummy, they knocked me down.’” says Fridah.

Shalom has stopped going to school because of her poor vision. She tries to learn at home, but can barely see the words on the pages of her books. “Shalom wakes up and asks me: ‘‘Mummy, am I also going to school today?‘‘ I tell her that she will go back to school when her sight is better,” says Fridah.

In their village, the ground is uneven and it’s too dangerous for Shalom to walk anywhere on her own so Fridah always guides her. Shalom’s father left the family at an early age, so as Fridah has to spend most of her time keeping her daughter safe, they rely on her grandmother’s farming activity to survive. With no proper source of income, Fridah doesn’t know how they will find the money to pay for cataract surgery.

Thankfully, Shalom is identified by CBM’s partner, Mengo Eye Hospital and is offered free surgery to treat her cataracts. The arrangements are made and she travels to the hospital with her mother on a motorbike taxi.

At the hospital, low vision therapist Benard assesses Shalom and discovers that what people can usually see from 60 meters away, Shalom’s left eye can only see at 2 meters away and her right eye at 6 meters. But he is hopeful that the cataract surgery will make a huge difference to Shalom’s sight.

Dr. Lisbon, an Ophthalmologist at Mengo Eye Department, carries out the operation to remove Shalom’s cataracts.

He explains how important it is to treat children like Shalom early on, before the damage is irreparable and their vision cannot be saved. Sadly, many children living in poverty do not get the surgery they need in time.

The cataract surgery is a success! When Shalom’s eye patches are removed, the change in her sight is instant. Only knowing her mother’s face by touch before, she can see her clearly for the first time in her life. Before they return home to their village, Dr Lisbon gives Shalom eye drops to aid the healing process and prevent any infection.

One week after the surgery, Shalom returns to Mengo Eye Department. Dr. Lisbon and Benard are amazed at how well her eyes have healed and how quickly. Shalom no longer squints or covers her eyes – her sensitivity to light has greatly been minimised. She is also no longer timid, and sad, but lively, happy and giggles a lot. 

Next Shalom is fitted with glasses to protect her eyes and help improve her vision further. Little blue frames are picked out for her and she moves to the mirror to check out her new look. She does some funny poses and laughs, looking at her reflection with joy.

Fridah is so happy and relieved for her daughter. “I cannot believe that she can see better… Before the surgery she could not run at all or else she would fall down. Now she does not fall down when she runs… I do not know how I can thank you.” She hopes that Shalom will be able to start school again soon.

The sun’s rays warm the chilly morning at the start of a special day… Shalom is going back to school! It’s a 20 minute walk to get there but Shalom and her cousin Joy happily pass the time singing rhymes together, while Fridah keeps an eye on them and makes sure they arrive safely.

Soon Shalom is back in class and is confidently answering questions and writing her answers on the blackboard. “She is now improving to write. She can see. Thank you for you did for her.” says her teacher. Shalom’s classmates clap for Shalom as she dances around fearlessly.

Shalom is not only able to learn in school again, but she can play with her friends.

Thanks to CBM supporters, the future looks much brighter for her.

Find out more about how you can help more children like Shalom to See the Way to a brighter future.