People In Indonesia Need Your Help

No one should lose their independence to blindness

Suharni has always been a caring mother and grandmother, rolling up her sleeves to help provide for her large, loving family. Despite being unable to read or write, she has always worked hard to make ends meet and support her family.  

But in the last three years her vision rapidly deteriorated. She could see ‘nothing at all’ and relied on her family to help her with the simplest of tasks. 

“I need people to help me. I cannot even go to the toilet by myself,” she said.   

Suharni’s husband, Budiman, had to give up his work to look after her. Even though her husband was kind and attentive, Suharni longed for her independence. More than anything, she wished she could once more provide for her family and watch her grandchildren grow.   

Suharni’s vision loss meant that she could not walk alone and spent most of her time at home  — a huge contrast to her more active years as a worker.

This is the harsh reality of avoidable blindness. It does not just take away a person’s sight but their ability to make a living.

Fortunately, a nurse trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation had visited and told Suharni about an eye clinic that would be run at the hospital nearby.  Suharni was overjoyed to learn she would be able to have surgery to remove her cataract, thanks to kind supporters of The Foundation, like you.

It was a dream come true — Suharni could have her sight and independence restored. She would no longer need to rely on her family. 

Suharni's vision was deteriorating.

When a nurse trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation visited Suharni in her home for an eye check, Suharni could not even see their hand movements right in front of her eyes.    

She was completely blind until someone like you stepped in and made it possible for Suharni to have her sight restored.