Laila Foundation brings hope as many in Hela Province regain their sight

The Laila Foundation, alongside its partners, recently completed a transformative cataract outreach program in Hela Province, providing the gift of sight to over 300 individuals.

This groundbreaking initiative addressed a crucial backlog of eye care needs and brought hope to the lives of over 700 patients.

The team of dedicated ophthalmologists performed surgeries on patients of all ages, the youngest being 8 years old and the oldest, 96, unveiling the wide-reaching impact of their efforts.

One particularly inspiring story is that of an 8-year-old girl, Joane Simon, who regained her vision and now aspires to become an eye doctor.

This achievement stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the future as the Laila Foundation stands strong in its commitment to bringing essential healthcare services to those in need.

Meantime, the successful operation was made possible through a collaboration between the Hela Provincial Health Authority, Laila Foundation, Pacific International Hospital, Port Moresby General Hospital eye unit, Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority Eye Unit, and Santos Foundation.

Dr James Kintwa, Hela PHA CEO in thanking the team for bringing their services to the province expressed joy in seeing many individuals regain their sight and stressed the significance of the donors' kindness in making these operations successful.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu committed to buying all the necessary eye equipment for Hela PHA to continue outreaches and operate at the hospital when they get their ophthalmologist eye surgeon next year.