New Glasses for Omari
This week one of the children in our class, Standard 2 at Olives Rehabilitation Centre, went to get his eyes tested for free by an optometrist at Vijay Optica, a local optician based in Mombasa city.
Although he is a very bright boy, Omari hasn’t been able to work for the last few weeks because he can’t see the blackboard. When he reads or writes, he has to hold the paper about an inch away from his left eye. He had become very dispirited.
When the children found out he was going to see the eye doctor, they were all very happy for him, gathering around him to help him get ready and asking “Madam, Madam will he get a new eye?”
Alex, the optometrist, testing Omari's eyes
Omari a few minutes after getting his new glasses
He was beaming as he came back with his new glasses. “Madam, Madam, look at me!” he said when he saw us. The other kids crowded around to admire his glasses.
Fellow classmates looking at Omari in his new glasses
The change in him has been dramatic. He told us all about his trip into town, and he has a renewed enthusiasm for his schoolwork. Omari is a perfect example of the importance of eyesight in a child’s life.
Luckily, we had the opportunity to bring about a spectacular change in this student and many others.
Omari in the matatu on his way back to school
Ros, July 2010
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