‘CBM brings light to darkness’: 14-year-old boy sees for the first time after life-changing surgery

For the first time in his life, 14-year-old Jene Mathias can see clearly, following a life-changing cataract surgery delivered through a community outreach by Christian Blind Mission [CBM] in the remote Omaura village of Obura-Woninara District.

Born with congenital cataracts, Jene’s world had been clouded since infancy. His parents noticed something was wrong when he was still crawling, but living in a remote area with limited access to health services meant treatment was always out of reach. The condition robbed him of schooling, play, and the ability to help his family in daily chores.

After his mother passed away in 2018, Jene was raised by his widowed father, Pyao Mathias, alongside his younger sister. Despite his strong desire to attend school, Jene’s worsening vision made learning impossible, and the family could not afford travel and surgical costs at the Goroka Eye Clinic.

Hope arrived when CBM conducted a cataract screening outreach at Omaura Health Centre. Jene was examined and confirmed to have cataracts, and for the first time, his father was told the surgery would be done free of charge.

Last Tuesday, Jene underwent cataract surgery, one of 30 procedures carried out during the outreach. He later rested at a temporary shelter set up for patients.

Early the following morning, CBM refractionist Sr Wendy Koro removed the bandage from Jene’s eye and tested his vision using the Snellen eye chart.

“Before surgery, Jene could not see anything on the chart with his right eye,” Sr Koro said. “Now, he can see the third line from four metres away.”

While the result is considered borderline, Sr Koro said delayed surgery affected the outcome.

“When a child is born with cataracts, it is vital they are treated as early as possible. Ideally within the first three to four years,” she said. “If treatment comes too late, even with surgery, the eyes may never learn to see properly.”

She said Jene’s vision is expected to continue improving over the coming days. An emotional Pyao Mathias expressed gratitude to CBM, the Obura-Woninara District Development Authority [DDA], and local leaders for restoring his son’s sight.

“My son’s life will change,” Mathias said. “He will be able to go to school and help me in the garden.”
He also thanked Obura-Woninara MP John Boito and the DDA for funding CBM’s outreach to the district, making the surgery possible.

The initiative was delivered through a partnership between CBM, the Obura-Woninara DDA, Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, Kainantu Komuniti Business [KKB], and the Omaura SDA School of Ministry, demonstrating how collaboration can bring essential health services to some of Papua New Guinea’s most isolated communities.