Her mother recalls that, “It started with what we thought was just fluid in her eyes, perhaps from a cold. But when she began holding paper just inches from her face, our hearts sank. We knew something was very wrong.” Having struggled with her own eye issues as a child, Odonsuvd knew she had to act fast.
The Day Nandin-Egshiglen’s World Came Back into Focus
At just four years old, Nandin-Egshiglen's world began to blur. She lost interest in her favourite activities, stopped playing with friends, and didn’t want to go to nursery. For her parents, the sudden clouding of her eyes was a heartbreaking mystery—one they knew they had to solve quickly.
Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need of eye care around the world. Nandin-Egshiglen's story shows how your gift can help ensure this.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
She took her daughter to the National Center for Maternal and Child Health in Mongolia, where Nandin-Egshiglen was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts. Dr. Divya Natarajan, an Orbis cataract volunteer, said that Nandin-Egshiglen was a perfect candidate for surgery aboard the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. A one-of-a-kind plane that brings sight-saving surgeries and training local doctors. For Nandin-Egshiglen's family, it was the glimmer of hope they desperately needed.
While waiting for surgery, Nandin-Egshiglen struggled every day. Her small hands gripped crayons tightly, bringing them close to her face just to make out their colours. Her once-lively eyes, now clouded, mirrored her shrinking world—a world her parents were desperate to restore.
Aboard the Flying Eye Hospital, every child is given a Seymour teddy bear – an unwavering friend to comfort them through surgery and ease their fears. Nandin-Egshiglen was given one, holding it tightly, her nose pressed against its soft fur. The bear became her constant companion, soothing her through the rest of the day.
The day after her successful surgery, Nandin-Egshiglen had a positive post-operative exam. With Seymour bear in hand, she eagerly explored the plane on her own, her face lighting up with awe and joy.
Join Orbis in making a difference to children like Nandin-Egshiglen. Have a look through the photos of her time onboard the Flying Eye Hospital.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now, as Nandin-Egshiglen her parents prepare to return to nursery, her mother is filled with hope. “I know the Orbis trained doctors will treat her other eye,” Odonsuvd says. “I want her to see freely, without anything holding her back. Healthy eyes are everything for a happy life.”
The Need for Your Support
This life-changing journey was made possible by the dedication of doctors and the support of people like you. Nandin-Egshiglen now has a bright future, free from the darkness of vision loss.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and for children, time is critical. Without timely treatment, the risk of permanent blindness is high. Though the treatment is simple, a shortage of trained eye care professionals remains. That’s why training is essential, and projects like the Flying Eye Hospital are crucial.
We urge you to act now. Your donation today can help children like Nandin-Egshiglen see the world clearly and live their best life. Together, we can give every child the gift of sight.
Together, we can give every child the gift of sight.
We urge you to act now.
