James' journey to LVPEI

Abraham Miti and his 9-year-old son James came all the way from Lousaka, Zambia. James had been suffering from a red, itchy left eye ever since he was 5. Every time he went out to play, his eyes would hurt and start watering. Abraham thought that the desert sand irritated his son's eyes. He took James to a clinic, where he was prescribed some medication. Yet, despite several visits, the boy's condition did not improve. Abraham consulted another doctor, who advised a corneal transplant. The government hospital informed him that Zambia had no corneal transplant specialists and advised him to go to India to L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI).

During his frequent visits to the hospital, the father and son would go to a nearby restaurant for water. One day, the curious restaurant owner asked Abraham what brought them there so often. Abraham narrated his story to the restaurant owner, who advised him to get in touch with her husband, a member of the local Lions Club. Her husband brought Abraham's case before the members of the Club who helped raise funds to sponsor his treatment in India.

In June 2010, James underwent a corneal transplant at LVPEI; his vision is much better. Abraham is confident that his vision will improve gradually but surely. "The path was made possible by God. I would like to thank God and the Institute," he says. He is very particular that James goes back to school.

Abraham earns a living by driving and his wife is a hair dresser. Had it not been for the Lions' sponsorship and the subsidized charges at LVPEI, young James would have been at risk of permanent visual impairment.