Makoi lives in Jorhat, Assam, where she works as a day labourer. Two years ago, her vision began to cloud over, and she was unable to see at all after dark. She needed to leave her job early so that she could make it home safely before the sun went down. As a result of this, she lost half of her pay. She struggled to prepare a meal or do other basic household chores.
Her family knew that there was an eye hospital nearby, but with her reduced wages they were unable to afford treatment. She feared that her condition would worsen and that she would eventually lose her sight and become a burden to her family. She felt isolated, and she worried she wouldn’t be able to see her grandchildren’s faces anymore.
Fortunately, Fusion Microfinance launched “Project Ojas”, an eye care initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, in Jorhat, in collaboration with Operation Eyesight. An Operation Eyesight-trained community health worker named Najrima conducted door-to-door surveys, providing eye checkups for around 200 families in Cinamora Grant of Jorhat. This was when she discovered Makoi who was needlessly suffering with cataracts in both eyes.
As a part of the project, Fusion supported sight-saving cataract surgeries, and Makoi underwent surgery free of charge. With her sight restored, Makoi is able to participate in activities and visit her grandchildren, even after dark. She is excited to be able to complete her work schedule without any worries.
Thank you, Fusion Microfinance for your support of our sight-saving work. If your company would like to learn more about how you can partner with Operation Eyesight through your CSR initiatives, visit our Corporate Relations page or contact Subhadip Bhattacharya.
