From darkness to light, Sultana’s vision and dreams are restored

Within the eyes of every child is a story waiting to be told of hardship, hope and transformation. Sultana, a sponsored child under Good Neighbors Bangladesh’s Kurigram CDP, life had been shadowed by a painful struggle with her eyesight. But with the right support and care, her journey turned into one of light and possibilities.

Sultana, a fifth-grade student, lives with her mother Aysha Begum. Her father works in Dhaka and sends a small monthly contribution for their expenses after remarrying. Despite her family’s hardships, Sultana continued her studies with determination.

Yet, for the last five years, she suffered from steroid-induced glaucoma along with allergic conjunctivitis. The condition made her vision blur, forced her to wear dark glasses, and left her absent-minded in class. Teachers noticed her struggle, and her classmates saw how irregular she had become in attending school.

Recognizing Sultana’s critical needs, Good Neighbors Bangladesh provided timely support, including community health check-ups, mobile clinic services, referrals to government hospitals for specialized treatment, and ongoing family communication. She was eventually referred from Kurigram Sadar Hospital to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and later to Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital in Bangladesh for advanced care.

Due to the proper treatment, Sultana experienced something miraculous; she regained her vision. Now, she attends school regularly, reads comfortably, and studies even at night without difficulty.

Her recovery has not only transformed her own life but also inspired the wider community. Sultana’s mother, Aysha Begum, expressed her heartfelt appreciation:

“If GNB hadn’t helped us, my child wouldn’t have been able to continue studying. We wouldn’t have found the right path to get proper treatment for my daughter.”

Sultana herself shared her joy, saying:

“I can see clearly now and study well. Thank you for your care and support.”

Even her head teacher highlighted the difference:

“Earlier, she was irregular and seemed absent-minded in class. But now, after receiving treatment through GNB, she is doing very well. We are deeply grateful for this support.”

Sultana’s story is more than just a medical recovery; it’s a testament to how collective care and timely intervention can change the course of a child’s life. With her vision restored, Sultana is back on her path toward education, dreams, and a brighter future.