Twins get to see again

WHEN seven-year-old twins, Iman and Asima Hatheem were born with severe cataracts in both eyes and diagnosed with refractive error, their father thought they would never be able to see again.

However, help soon came in the way of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Umbilo.

“When the doctors told me that my girls wouldn’t be able to see or have good vision, I was very sad and worried for them. I couldn’t help their lives would be difficult and that upset me greatly,” said Miraan Hatheem, the twins’ father.

Things soon changed after the twins visited the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital for their cataract operations. Rajesh Budhoo, a KZN Department of Health optometrist working at the eye clinic, was the first to examine the children after the operation.

“When they were six-months-old, they came in for an operation to remove their cataracts. A week or so later, they came to me for an eye examination and although we realised their vision was poor, it was difficult to quantify – as they were so small,” she said.

After fitting the twins with contact lenses, they went to Rajesh for regular eye examinations, and soon it was discovered that high-prescription spectacles were needed.

“Their father was unable to afford the cost of spectacles so we contacted the Brien Holden Vision Institute for assistance. The Institute agreed to assist and they have been receiving free glasses ever since,” she said.

The twins’ father is thrilled at the collaborative efforts to help his daughters.

“After the surgery their eyesight was still terrible. I thought they were destined to live their lives as almost blind. I was so happy when the Institute chose to help my daughters after the surgery. I am lucky too that the Department of Health assisted us in such a way,” said Miraan.

According to Prof Kovin Naidoo, the Global Programs Director for the Brien Holden Vision Institute, this is not an isolated case.

“There are 1.4 million blind children in the world, which is a worrying statistic. The impact of blindness and visual impairment on children is far greater than for adults, as children have their whole lives before them. In terms of the impact on reducing years lived with disability, curing a child of blindness is, on average, equivalent to curing 10 adults with cataract surgeries. Child eye health is therefore very important to us as an organisation,” he said.

The twins are happy with their glasses.

“Before I got my glasses I couldn’t see and I couldn’t colour like my friends in class.” said Asima.

“I like my glasses now because they help me. I can draw and can see much better,” said Iman.

Hatheem agrees with his daughters, saying they are able to interact very well with other children and are doing well at school.

“My children are enjoying playing outdoors with their friends and they enjoy the activities of childhood,” he said.

Evidence through monitoring has shown that the twins’ vision has improved as they develop. The tinted lenses provided to the children also allow them to play safely outdoors without further damaging their eyes.