“I’m a living testimony of cataract surgery”

More than a year on from her cataract operation, Angeshita is a proud, active and independent woman.

It’s a transformation from when we met her in 2022, when sight loss in both her eyes had left Angeshita dependent on her daughter and grandchildren.

Cataracts were devastating for Angeshita, who lives in Malawi. One day she had what she describes as a “blackout”, which left her struggling to return from a day’s work in the fields. She had to ask two young boys to escort her back home.

Angeshita, who is 74 years old, said at the time: “Before, when I had my eyes, I would do things with my hands. I would go and find piecework, feed myself, but with this disease, I can’t do any of that. It has affected my children and grandchildren because I am just sitting idle, and they should be tired of looking after me.”

Sight loss meant that Angeshita was unable to work, and the family could no longer afford to pay the grandchildren’s school fees.

Her daughter Judith says: “Since this illness befell her, there has been a difference indeed. When she became blind, it was a very big burden on me. This burden also applied to my children whom I sent to take care of my blind mum. I had no peace of mind.”

Angeshita’s granddaughter Bertha, 18, says: “I was scared that she could stumble on her way and that she could be injured. I used to cook for her, help her wash and fetch water for her.”

Angeshita had an operation to restore her sight as part of Sightsavers’ eye care project in Malawi that was supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The cataract operation moved Angeshita in a way she never imagined. “I didn’t like dancing before, but that day I danced,” she says. “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.”

She looks forward to returning her grandchildren to school and having dinner ready for them when they come home every day.

Months later, the transformational impact on her life – and her family members’ lives – is now clear. Angeshita is earning a living. Judith is no longer having to care for her mother. And her grandchildren are back in school and able to pursue their education.

Daughter Judith has seen the difference in her mother. “Her life has changed completely. She is now doing everything for herself and not relying on me. And my children can now participate fully in their education. They are free!”

Granddaughter Bertha says: “When she regained her sight there was joy here; I became free to move away and do other things I wanted to do. I want to be a doctor when I get a job, I want to provide medical services to people who are sick.”

Now, Angeshita encourages other members of the community to get medical treatment for their eye conditions.

“I am a living testimony of that surgery, because now I can see. I am very happy now; I can go to my garden and work. Before my operation, I could not do that. I am now able to do everything on my own. I can cook and eat. I am very happy with this.”

The cataract operation transformed not only Angeshita’s life, but the lives of her daughter and grandchildren. Eye health has a ripple effect that impacts people’s ability to learn, earn and participate in their communities, building their wellbeing, independence and opportunities.

All images © Sightsavers/Malumbo Simwaka

Watch the video below to see Angeshita sharing her story.