Binaya’s Cataracts Story: How Glasses Changed a Child’s Education and Future

Binaya has bilateral cataracts – a condition clouding the lenses in both eyes. His parents first noticed something was wrong when he struggled to see from a distance and could not walk safely at night.

“He was unable to go out in the dark. We would worry if he went anywhere with friends,” his mother, Sata, shared.

His vision challenges have also made school harder. “He doesn’t find writing as easy as his younger brothers,” his parents explained “also, his friend hurt his feelings after he told him he’s turning blind, because he could see the clouding of his eyes.”

At nine years old, Binaya’s cataracts were spotted during a school screening programme, and he was referred to an eye institute. But it was 600km away: an impossible journey for his parents, who were struggling to make ends meet and care for their family.

“I worry his future will be dark if his surgery is not done on time,” Sata said.  

Binaya loves riding his bike and going to local festivals, but most festivals take place at night. His parents keep him close, worried about his safety. Trips to visit relatives mean someone must escort him.

Hope came when Orbis brought an outreach eye camp to their village. There, Binaya was examined again and referred to a children’s eye department in Sambalpur, a city that was much closer and easy to travel to.  

His father, Sudam, remains hopeful: “Once the operation is done, he will be able to see properly.”

He is at an age where independence should be growing, yet poor vision keeps him on the sidelines.

When asked about his dreams, his father smiles: “He wants to be a smart weaver.”

With timely surgery, that dream can become reality. Without it, his future will remain clouded – just like his vision.

World Sight Day is a global reminder that sight is not a luxury, it’s a right. Millions of children like Binaya live with avoidable vision loss, missing out on education, independence, and the simple joys of childhood.

Your support helps bring sight-saving care to communities that need it most, so no child’s dreams are cut short by something we can prevent.

This World Sight Day, you can help children like Binaya see clearly again – giving them the chance to learn, play, and follow their dreams.