When women see better, life changes: International Womens Day 2025

Salome, a 53-year-old mother of four from Solomon Islands, balanced a busy life filled with family commitments and a fulfilling career. However, when her vision began to deteriorate, everything changed, bringing unexpected challenges.

It began with blurry vision in her right eye, quickly followed by the left. A few months later, Salome could barely see. She had been diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, which she manages carefully, but the rapid loss of sight caught her off guard. Tasks she once managed with ease became challenging. Unable to drive, Salome had to move in with her adult daughter Ellen to be closer to work. Ellen took on extra household responsibilities, adding to the strain.

“I would sit at home almost every day. I felt very lonely and then also sad that I couldn’t see the world,” Salome recalls.

Her professional life was equally challenging. Although she managed to keep her job, her role had to be adjusted. Reading emails and documents required her to sit inches from the screen, and she often needed colleagues to assist her with basic tasks. The strain wasn’t just physical; the stares and comments from coworkers chipped away at her confidence. “I felt very lucky to keep my job, but it was hard being treated differently.”

Salome’s experience reflects a harsh reality: women face unique barriers when it comes to accessing eye care. Globally, 55% of people who are needlessly blind are women. In countries with limited resources like Solomon Islands, cultural norms, economic dependence, and limited healthcare access exacerbate these disparities. Women often prioritise their families' health over their own, delay seeking care, or lack the autonomy to travel alone for medical appointments.

The impact of vision loss goes beyond the individuals directly affected. It can place additional strain on families, with women frequently shouldering the burden of caregiving. Daughters like Ellen find themselves stepping into these roles, balancing household duties with their own personal and professional responsibilities. This added pressure can limit their opportunities for education, work, and personal development.

Salome’s story doesn’t end there. A visit to the Regional Eye Centre in Honiara marked a turning point. There, she met Dr. Claude Posala, who performed sight-restoring surgery on her right eye.

“It was an overwhelming feeling being able to see again,” Salome says. “When the bandage came off, I thought I was in a movie. It was so bright that I became scared, but the doctor reassured me it was normal.”

“What can I say? It’s a great relief.”

Now, she’s back at work, engaging confidently with her colleagues. She’s looking forward to resitting her driving test, moving back home, and getting out and socialising more.

Salome’s journey highlights the life-changing impact of accessible eye care and the importance of removing barriers that prevent women from receiving the treatment they need. On this International Women's Day, we honour her resilience and the health care professionals who supported her along the way.

By addressing gender disparities in eye health, we not only restore vision but also support women like Salome in leading fulfilling lives at home, in their communities, and in the workplace. Because when women see better, the world becomes brighter for everyone.