Seven-year-old Abenet lives with his parents in the Agarfa District of Ethiopia. In September 2014 Abenet started first grade along with his friends in one of the schools in their village. Before the excitement could even begin however, he started experiencing low vision as white dots in his eyes started to expand.
Abenet’s parents spotted the white dot a year before, but they thought it would eventually disappear by itself. They have never realised that their son’s vision condition would go from normal to him becoming nearly blind. Abenet was forced to drop out of school after just few months in class as his vision continued to deteriorate to mere light perception.
After leaving his school, Abenet became increasingly dependent on his siblings and parents in his daily routine. He needed assistance to eat, change cloths, and bath. He stayed at home every whole day, envying his friends who were still in school and playing outside as they pleased.
Abenet’s father realised that their son’s vision wasn’t improving and decided to seek medical help. Mr. Hailu took his son to Bale Robe Hospital within their district. After his screening, Mr. Hailu was told to take his son to the Hawassa Referral Hospital for further examination and medical procedures where an Orbis supported peadiatric eye care service is available.
On the 9th of June 2015, Mr. Hailu and Abenet made their way to Hawassa University Referral Hospital which is 178 kilometers away. Abenet underwent a thorough examination and was diagnosed with bilateral developmental cataract. He was scheduled for surgery a month later.
