Mere’s story

Over a period of six years, Mere's sight was slowly taken from her by dense cataracts — something that could’ve been avoided if she’d simply had access to eye care sooner.

A keen gardener, Mere continued to sell her produce at the village market, but even walking had become a challenge. Living in a small hut on an uneven, pot-holed site, she was forced to shuffle her way around.

Mere’s neighbour told us how difficult daily life had become.

“Without her eyesight, Mere could not cook or lift things, it was too dangerous. Mere could not even wash her own hair.”

Mere was absolutely devastated to lose her independence and the ability to look after her family.

Thanks to donations from people like you, our Mobile Eye Clinic team can now carry out eye screenings and perform sight-saving surgeries across Fiji.

When the time came to take off her bandages, Mere took a moment to adjust and stared intently at the eye chart. She took a deep breath, reached an arm around the nurse’s waist, and wept with joy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the clinic.

"I was so scared my eyes would be closed forever, but now I can see properly. I can run! I can plant my seeds and sell my vegetables. When my son comes, I will see him at the end of the street!"

An estimated 9 out of 10 people who are blind don’t need to be. They simply need access to eye care.

We work to end avoidable blindness in the Pacific by making sure everyone has access to the eye care they so desperately need — even those living in remote and isolated areas.

Fred said that as human beings we must do things to help each other.

Please send a gift today to help return sight to more people like Mere.