Meet John Kerry, a thirteen -year- old student living in the northern part of Bujumbura, who recovered his vision thanks to CTSOE

In 2013, John Kerry, 6 years old, was playing with other children when he experienced trauma in his left eye. This was the beginning of a daily struggle for Kerry and his family. Later, he was brought to the center and an ophthalmologist found he had cataract that had to be operated.

After the operation, “the child’s vision improved, he went to school and passed from class to class like others”, testifies his mother. But the struggle resumed recently when Kerry started complaining of pain in the same eye. His poor eye sight meant that he could no longer see well the writings on the blackboard in the classroom. The fear to lose his vision embarrassed him. Calm and shy, the young boy does not even want to talk. “He has developed a strange behavior”, says his mother.

“He will recover his vision”
When his mother approached the center again for consultation, Dr. Patrick, the ophthalmologist found there is a need of repositioning the lens so that he may see clearly. He explains that this problem occurred because of the cataract operation he has undergone in the past. “While treating cataracts, the natural lens is normally removed and replaced with an intraocular lens that helps restore sight”, he says, explaining that this intraocular lens can move from the its position and disturb vision. The recent medical intervention consisted of repositioning the lens which had moved and caused him to no longer see. His vision was degraded”, says the doctor, reassuring the mother that his son will recover his vision and be able to follow his studies.