For Janabai, the sixth floor had become a problem.

At 65, Janabai lived in Maharashtra, India, with her grandson, his wife, and their nine-month-old daughter. The apartment was home, but getting in and out of it had become increasingly difficult. Her vision was fading, and six flights of stairs are a long way down when you can’t make out where you’re going.

More than once, her foot slipped, and she hurt herself. Even a trip around the corner required someone to go with her. Gradually, her world grew smaller, its boundaries the places she could navigate safely.

Then a family member received treatment at HV Desai Eye Hospital in Pune. Janabai learned that the cloudy vision that had been making her world smaller could be treated, too. In November 2025, she had cataract surgery on her left eye, followed by her right.

And then, quite suddenly, there were stairs again. She could move around on her own. She could even travel alone to her village, a trip she hadn’t made independently in two or three years.

But perhaps the most important thing waiting for her at home was much smaller.

Her great-granddaughter had been born while Janabai’s vision was fading. She could hold the baby, but she couldn’t really see her. After surgery, she could see the little girl’s face. She could watch her play and take care of her. 

“After the operation, I can see clearly. I am very happy.”

Janabai’s personal map expanded. And at home, there’s a little face she can see again.