Special report by Brian Doolan, CEO
Nepal: Kamala had been a keen student, but after losing sight in her eye she had to give up her studies and her hopes for a better future.

A difficult existence

Kamala had been a keen student, but after losing sight in her eye she had to give up her studies and her hopes for a better future.

Saddest of all, after her son Mochnath was born, she couldn't see him clearly. And she couldn't take care of him on her own.

I've been to the mountainous Nuwakot area in Nepal where Kamala lives. Most people there are farmers – it's a difficult existence.

Kamala and her husband were living with his parents.

Like most people in Nepal, Kamala's in-laws lived on about $3 a day, supporting themselves, Kamala, her husband and young son.

After losing her sight, the strain began to show. Kamala could no longer contribute to the household and, sadly, her husband began to resent her for it.

Then one day Kamala was told to leave. She had already lost her independence, she now lost her dignity.

Luckily for Kamala, Nuwakot has a Community Eye Centre supported by donations to The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Fred first visited Nepal in the mid 1980s and his friendship with Dr Sanduk Ruit, now director of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalomology (TIO) in Kathmandu, and their common drive and determination led to huge improvements in eye health care in Nepal.

One day, Kamala heard on the radio about a special screening camp that would take hundreds of people from Nuwakot to the Tilganga Eye Centre (now part of the TIO) in Kathmandu for free operations.

She was afraid, but her father, who was now caring for Kamala, encouraged her to go.

"How can you give your baby a good life if you are blind – you must have the operation," he told her.

I'm happy to tell you that Kamala's operation was a complete success.

Her face shone with joy when she realised her sight was fully restored.

And Kamala was overjoyed to finally see her son.

Kamala's father was filled with gratitude.

"I feel so glad my daughter can see. Without your support I could never afford the operation. We give many thanks."

I give many thanks too, to our supporters. It is their gifts that make these achievements possible.

Your donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation not only restores sight, it restores independence and dignity to people like Kamala.