Kenya: Couple's vision restored after years of blindness

A couple in Narok County, who have been blind for four years, can now see, thanks to a team of eye surgeons sponsored by an Australian non-governmental organisation.

Ntutai Siokino and his wife Peresian Namanu were both partially blind. The 70-year-old man and his wife, 65, had been battling receding vision for the last four years. Siokino lost his left eye due to trauma while his right eye was partially blind due to cataract.

Namanu also had bilateral cataract for four years and they were almost giving up on getting their sight restored. When a team of eye surgeons sponsored by Fred Hollows Foundation stepped in to restore their sight, Siokino described it as a miracle.

"My wife and I were waiting for a miracle. I also knew my wife was suffering but could do nothing about it. Someone from our community had mentioned that our sight could be restored, but we did not know how this would happen. Most times I felt devastated, helpless and angered," he said.

Ntutai Siokino and his wife Peresian Namanu can now see following a successful surgery by doctors sponsored by an Australian NGO. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Siokino added that his poor vision had almost cost his life when he fell on a sharp ant mound that ruptured his abdomen. He cited lack of finances as the reason why he couldn't access medical intervention earlier.

"The nearest clinic is more than 200 kilometres away. We request the Government to build a health facility near our village. If it wasn't for organisation and their support, we could have been blind forever," said an elated Siokino yesterday after the surgery during a free eye clinic in Trans Mara.