Angeshita eyes brighter future

A grandmother from Malawi has regained her sight and her independence thanks to a transformational charity project funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

74-year-old Angeshita had to give up work and became reliant on her family after cataracts in both eyes left her unable to see.

Such was the impact on her daughter and grandchildren, it meant they could no longer afford to pay school fees.

But their lives have been turned around with the help of charity Sightsavers and their eye care project in Malawi.

Angeshita underwent a successful cataract operation and is once again a proud, active and independent woman.

Angeshita said: "When they removed the bandage, I just saw total brightness, all lights in my eyes. I felt very happy and danced and danced."

The impact on her life - and her family's lives - is clear.

Angeshita is back earning a living. Her daughter is no longer having to care for her and her grandchildren are back in school and able to continue their education.

The Ripple Effect

To date, players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised more than £14 Million to help Sightsavers continue their vital work.

Angeshita said: "I was so happy inside my heart. Now that I can see, I can walk and I can find some paid work, fetch water and wash for myself. Before my operation, I could not do that. I am now able to do everything on my own."

Angeshita's daughter Judith said: "Her life has changed completely, and I mean that. She is now doing everything for herself and not relying on me. Right now, she has already prepared her garden and is waiting for the rains so that she can plant seeds."

The success of the operation has made a difference to the life of Angeshita's granddaughter, Berta, too. Now that Angeshita can care for herself, Berta can go back to school and work towards her dream of being a doctor.

Berta said: "It was difficult for me to move away from home because I was supposed to take care of granny. But when she regained her sight, I became free to move away and do other things I wanted to do. I want to be a doctor."

Judith added: "These children could not fully attend their education because their granny had that problem. Now they participate and attend fully."

Reflecting on the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery, Rob King, Corporate Relationships Manager at Sightsavers, said: "Angeshita's story shows how important good eye health is and the ripple effect it can have on individuals and families.

"More than 85% of people with visual impairment live in low to middle income countries. Everyone, including remote communities, women, people with disabilities, should have access to health services, but availability and awareness varies between and across countries.

"Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery, we can continue our work to save and protect sight across Africa and Asia and transform the lives of people like Angeshita. Thank you for helping make our vision of leaving no one behind a reality."