For most of her life, Shakeela Bibi did not realize she had a vision problem. A 14-year old girl living in Pakistan, Shakeela had to drop out of school after two years because she could not keep up with her peers. She had trouble reading the blackboard and would copy off of other students’ notes instead.
She would sometimes bump into walls when she was in an unfamiliar setting. She thought she was just clumsy. But as she grew older, her vision got worse. Her mother had passed away, and her father, a popcorn salesman, had to care for her when he wasn’t at work.
Luckily, one day a woman in her community suggested that she visit Tehsil Eye Care Center, Buner, a Seva partner. Shakeela took her advice and learned that she had a cataract in one of her eyes. She received a free cataract surgery – and could see everything she had been missing.
“Everything is very bright!” she crows ecstatically.
Shakeela Bibi
“I have found a new life. […] For me, sight is everything. It brought back my dignity and independence.”
