Fatoumata Kone: A Journey to Sight

Fatoumata’s Struggle with Blindness 

Fatoumata Kone, a 12-year-old girl from the small town of Rubino, Côte d’Ivoire, had lived her childhood life in darkness. Born with bilateral cataracts, she had never seen the world beyond the touch of her hands and the sound of her surroundings. While other children her age attended school, played, and explored, Fatoumata remained isolated, unable to join them due to her blindness. Fatoumata’s parents were heartbroken but powerless. Living in poverty, they lacked the financial means to afford the surgery that could restore their daughter’s sight. For twelve years, they had accepted the painful reality that Fatoumata would never see. 

Chance for Sight 

One day, everything changed when they heard a broadcast on the local radio station. The announcement spoke of a free cataract surgery campaign at the Agboville Regional Hospital. This campaign, organized under the Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness (AFAB), was made possible through the collaboration of the National Eye Health Program (PNSO), and the generous support of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). With a mixture of disbelief and hope, Fatoumata’s parents took her to the hospital, where her condition was confirmed by ophthalmologists. To the family’s immense joy, the surgery was a success. For the first time in her life, Fatoumata could see. 

Tears of joy streamed down Fatoumata’s face as she realized the miracle that had occurred. For the first time in her life, she could see the faces of her parents, the greenery of her surroundings, and the bright blue sky. The once-silent world around her was now filled with sights and sounds that she had only ever imagined.

 Embracing a World of Possibilities 

Fatoumata’s parents were overcome with gratitude for the compassionate individuals who had made their daughter’s vision a reality. The surgery had not only restored Fatoumata’s sight but had also given her a sense of hope and possibility. 

As Fatoumata embarked on a journey of discovery, she was eager to explore the world that had previously been hidden from her. With her newfound vision, she aspired to attend school, learn to read, and write, and live a life filled with purpose and joy.