Many of us take our sense of sight for granted. Sadly, this also tends to makes us callous and uncaring about the plight and sufferings of those who were not blessed with the gift of vision. Many people see the visually challenged as a nuisance. Some even see their situations comical. But there is nothing comical about having to live the rest of your life in total darkness.
The National Federation of the Blind says more than half a million Americans are currently blind , and only a small percentage of that unfortunate number gets enough medical treatment. Situations overseas are much worse. In third world countries, most blind people do not get enough medical attention for their conditions. As a result, they are forced to live with a condition that can be solved through a 15-minute surgery.
Earlier this year, Nat Geo featured a short film produced by Blue Chalk Media about two blind Indian sisters, Sonia and Anita, who underwent a 15-minute surgery to have their eyesight restored. What happens after the surgery will surely bring tears to your eyes.
Upworthy brought attention to this video this week, just in time for Christmas.
Here is the description of this heart-melting video:
Sonia and Anita, two sisters living in India, have been blind since birth, but a simple eye operation makes it possible for them to see their mom for the first time. The nonprofit organization 20/20/20 provides free operations to these sisters–as well as thousands of other people in developing countries. These procedures empower people in impoverished communities to create better futures. In this short film, Blue Chalk Media shares the sisters’ poignant story and captures their initial experiences after the bandages come off.
Do you want to make it your new years resolution to help people who are visually impaired? There are various blind organizations that work 24-7 to bring effective medical care to those too distant or too impoverished to acquire them. SightSavers and Royal Blind are some charities you can try to support next year.
[Image from YouTube]
