looking for light
This photographic exhibition, entitled ‘looking for light’, is a stunning collection of images taken by photographer Julia Broad during Foresight’s May 2015 cataract surgery visit to the Philippines.
We noticed the subject often searched for a light source either looking to the sky, a window or a ceiling light. The children held a torch from a mobile phone and shone it into their eyes. This was due to their vision being so limited that they were only able to perceive a small amount of light and nothing else. Looking for light was the only thing that stopped them from being plunged into a world of darkness.
After surgery many went from this perception of light to being able to see faces and read letters on an eye chart. Scroll over the images below to find out more.
Four year old Rolando, blind since birth, searches for the theatre lights above him for comfort.
After his surgery Rolando could move around the room without help for the first time.
Four year old Queenie was hit in the eye with a ball. The cataract that formed threatened to take her sight.
80% of blindness can be prevented or cured.
Vision impairment can effect anyone but the young and elderly are most at risk.
11 year old Keirwin has been blind since birth. Surgery was his only hope for an improved life.
Joyce was playing near a fire when something exploded and debris lodged in her eye.
Volunteer eye care professionals from Australia volunteered their time to operate in the Philippines.
Queenie was excited to have her bandages removed.
39 million people around the world suffer blindness.
Dr McCall saw an instant improvement in Rolando’s eyesight post-surgery.
Virgilio removes his bandages.
Recovery is undertaken in the chapel of the Adventist Hospital Santiago City.
May waits patiently to have her cataract removed. Her sister Melanie also required surgery.
The ‘Gift of Sight’ program has been running since 2013.
The volunteer team performed 127 surgeries in just seven days of operating.
Keirwin is reunited with one of his four brothers.
Joyce is ready to have her bandages removed.
Th waiting list was long but the team treated everyone on this years list.
Keirwin looks to the sun as he gets used to his increased vision.
Queenie’s final check up before she heads home with her family.
Being able to see returns dignity and the feeling of being useful again.
The Adventist Hospital Santiago City donates the use of its theatre and staff.
Thank you to those who supported us in 2015.
thank you
For more information about Foresight’s sight-saving work please click here. To make a donation to support Foresight’s work in the Philippines click here.