Wardah, a 10-year-old girl from Mauritius, has been struggling with vision problems since birth. Her condition has progressively worsened over the years, leaving her able to distinguish objects only at a distance of less than a meter. Her parents are now seeking specialized care in India, hoping that it will improve her daily life. However, the cost of the treatment, Rs 381,800, is beyond their means, prompting them to appeal for public solidarity.

Wardah's troubles began at birth, when she was premature and required respiratory assistance for nearly 24 hours. She spent 12 days in the neonatal unit before going home. A few days later, her parents noticed a yellow spot on one of her eyes, which was diagnosed as cataract. She underwent surgery and subsequent interventions, but eventually lost a lens in one eye. At around eight years old, another operation was considered to implant a lens, but a doctor who examined her in 2024 said it wouldn't significantly improve her vision.

In October 2025, Wardah accidentally injured her right eye while playing, but initial medical checks showed no damage. However, at a follow-up appointment, her parents noticed a further decline in her vision. She can now only see objects at a distance of less than a meter. Her family believes she suffers from optic nerve atrophy. Her parents want to take her to the Sight Avenue Eye Hospital in Delhi, under the supervision of Dr Suraj Munjal, in hopes of improving her vision and increasing her autonomy.

Wardah's mother expressed her deepest desire for her daughter to have better eyesight, allowing her to learn, move around, and perform daily tasks with greater ease. The family's financial situation is precarious, with Wardah's father struggling to find stable employment and her mother having to quit her job to care for her daughter. With two children to support and irregular income, they cannot afford the treatment on their own.

The prospect of Wardah losing more of her sight is unbearable for her family. Her mother confessed that the thought of her daughter's worsening condition is heartbreaking. Despite the uncertainty, they hold onto hope that specialized care in India may bring about positive change. Wardah's family is now counting on the public's support to help raise the necessary funds for her treatment.

Wardah's story has garnered public attention, with many sympathizing with her plight. Her family is urging anyone who can help to contribute to Wardah's treatment fund. They believe that with collective support, they can help Wardah regain some of her independence and improve her quality of life.

As Wardah's family waits for a response from the public, they remain hopeful that their daughter's situation can be improved. They pray that with the help of the medical team in India and the support of the public, Wardah can overcome her vision challenges and lead a more normal life.

Key points

  • The family of a 10-year-old girl with severe vision loss is seeking Rs 381,800 for specialized care in India.
  • Wardah's vision problems began at birth, and her condition has progressively worsened over the years.
  • The family is counting on public support to help fund Wardah's treatment.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.