Readers restore student’s vision
Oscar Oguli shows his affected eye. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa.
What you need to know:
Oguli and his family had to seek services in Nairobi because Uganda has no cornea bank. Besides, they say they were told that the law does not allow Ugandan doctors to offer such services.
Prior to his operation in Nairobi last December, 20-year-old Oscar Oguli suffered from keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea of the eye is unable to hold its round shape in place.
As a result, his vision had been affected and he was unable to see and read words clearly. His eyes would also itch and produce a lot of tears.
Appeal
It was due to this ailment that Oguli, a Senior Six student appeared on NTV and in the Daily Monitor article of December 15, last year, seeking Shs13m for an eye transplant. Following his appeal, well-wishers contributed Shs13m.
Successful operation
On December 21, Oguli and his father, Wilberforce Lumonya, travelled by bus to Kikuyu Hospital in Nairobi, where the operation was due to be conducted.
Oguli and his family had to seek services in Nairobi because Uganda has no cornea bank. Besides, they say they were told that the law does not allow Ugandan doctors to offer such services.
“I was operated on at Kikuyu Hospital in Nairobi on December 23. The cornea was imported from India. I am happy because now I see clearly. I no longer feel vibrations,” explains Oguli, about three weeks after the operation.
Grateful
“I am very happy that my son has got treatment, we had failed to raise the money on our own. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made it possible for us,” says Wilberforce Lumonya, Oguli’s father.
“I extend my appreciation to NTV, Daily Monitor, relatives, friends and the general public for their contribution. You have restored my vision and I ask God to give you more and more,” adds Oguli.
The student, who is looking forward to sitting his Senior Six examinations this year, is now able to see and read words clearly.
His eyes no longer itch or produce a lot of tears like they used to do. He was advised to visit a doctor once every month for continuous review.
According to his father, this is still expensive. Besides, his other eye is also sick and though it does not require a transplant, it needs continuous treatment and examination.
Background
Oguli’s condition was diagnosed in 2012 at Georgina Eye Clinic by Dr Juliet Otiti, an eye specialist. The doctor discovered that both Oguli’s eyes were affected but the left eye needed immediate attention.
She advised the parents to take their son to Nairobi to undergo a cornea transplant in order to prevent further damage.
The whole process required about $5000 (about Shs13m) which the couple had failed to raise for past two years.
