I can see again! 85-year-old Lucia’s tears of joy

At 85 years old, she had lost her sight, her independence, and her daily rhythm.

But with the help of one determined family member, and a 120km journey across rural Zambia, Lucia found her way back to the light.

This is her story.

Lucia’s eyesight had been failing for years. But when she became totally blind, everything changed.

“I can’t see. I rely on Martha, my sister’s daughter-in-law, to help me with everything. She was kind enough to bring me to the hospital.”

Lucia lives in northern Zambia near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo – far from any eye care services. With no options nearby, Martha brought her to Solwezi General Hospital, an Orbis partner hospital, in the hope of a miracle.

Before she lost her sight, Lucia worked every day in the fields by her home.

She grew corn to make Nshima, a traditional porridge that feeds families across Zambia. For Lucia, this was more than food – it was her purpose.

“I’m not happy being a blind woman. I used to do my daily activities, but now I can't see. My heart is troubled.”

She went from independent and active to completely reliant on her caregiver. Her world became small, dark, and uncertain.

At the hospital, Lucia was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes.

Because of the long journey she had made, the doctors decided to operate on both eyes straight away.

“When I regain my sight, I’ll be very happy. I will come out of the darkness. All I want is to go back to cultivating my crops and cooking again.”

Her surgery was carried out by Mr. Chenga Oliver, one of just two cataract surgeons in the entire Northwest Province of Zambia – both trained by Orbis.

The next day, the bandages were removed.

Lucia could see. She smiled. She laughed. She danced.

“For so long there was only darkness. I cannot wait to see the world again.”

Right now, there are thousands more people like Lucia – living in the dark, waiting for help.

Your support can change everything.