Kishore and Mohan: A shared journey from Darkness to Light

The Joshi brothers, Mohan (24) and Kishore (27) came to LVPEI from a small town near Raipur in Chhattisgarh state in November 2008. Their father reported that in early childhood the brothers contracted an infection that left them with an itching, dark and blotchy skin condition xeroderma pigmentosa, which also affected their vision. Treatment with local herbs worsened the condition. Both of them were good in studies but had to discontinue school - Mohan after high school and Kishore after polytechnic.

Mohan lost his left eye in 2009 after it developed a tumor; but some vision in his right eye was restored after a cornea transplant surgery at LVPEI. He is grateful for the normalcy that returned to his life after the surgery. Joshi Senior says that Mohan works hard, caring for the family's cattle, feeding them, taking them out to pasture and bringing them home safely. He has several friends and hopes to find a bride and settle down soon. He is cheerful after his surgery enabled him to look life squarely in the face.

Kishore got married two years ago and was planning on starting a family. But life had other plans for him - he began losing his vision rapidly. After a cornea transplant surgery, Kishore could see with his right eye. As he stood up after his examination with the slit lamp biomicroscope, he could make eye contact with his father seated two meters away. His slight frame, mottled skin, and drooping shoulder reveals the suffering this young man has undergone. However, during the video shoot at LVPEI, Kishore put on his dark glasses and posed nattily with the pink bougainvilleas. He works as a meter reader in a power sub-station in his hometown and appreciates the power of vision much more now that he can move about without assistance. He hopes for better vision after a similar operation in his left eye.

To secure their shared future, Kishore plans to stock the small shop the family owns just outside their home - Mohan will manage the sales. The brothers are excited at the new life ahead when they return home.