For over three years, the Kabgayi Eye Unit, in partnership with the See You Non-Government Organization, has been providing specialized eye care to children under 18 in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Among the beneficiaries is a family from Nyarubuye Cell, Musasa Sector, Rutsiro District, whose members suffered from congenital cataracts.
Willy Joseph Ntakirutimana and his two children were diagnosed with cataracts during a routine school screening conducted by Kabgayi Eye Unit and See You. Ntakirutimana, who was born with the condition, had passed it on to his children.
Recalling the journey, Ntakirutimana said, “A doctor came to Muhororo School to examine the children’s eyesight. After the examination, they advised me to take my children to Murunda Hospital for further tests. Upon arrival, the doctor noticed my children’s condition and asked about my own eyesight. When I explained that they took after me, the doctor examined me and confirmed that I had the same condition.”
Subsequent examinations revealed that the family required surgery, a revelation that filled Ntakirutimana with apprehension.
However, his fears were eased by the trust he placed in the medical team, who he believed had his family’s best interests at heart.
His wife, Jeanine Nyiransengimana, shared her initial anxiety, “When I saw my husband and children with their eyes bandaged after surgery, I panicked and regretted bringing them to the hospital. I even thought they might never recover. But the doctor reassured me that they were only under anesthesia and would wake up soon.”
Following the successful surgeries, the family experienced remarkable changes.
Ntakirutimana shared his excitement, “When the bandages were removed, everything became clear. The haze I used to see was gone, and I could finally see distant objects clearly.”
Similarly, Nyiransengimana observed significant improvements in her children’s vision.
She noted, “Before the surgery, my children struggled to read and had to tilt their heads to focus. Now, they can read comfortably without any difficulty.”
The children no longer face ridicule at school and are now better able to follow lessons, improving their academic performance.
No Cost, Only Gratitude
Kabgayi Eye Unit, supported by See You, ensures that services like these are accessible and free for underprivileged families.
The screening initiative begins in schools, identifying children with vision problems and extending care to their families if necessary.
In this case, after confirming the diagnosis, Kabgayi Eye Hospital collaborated with Rutsiro District Hospital to ensure the family received appropriate care.
Since Rutsiro lacked the capacity to handle such cases, the family was referred to Kabgayi, where all costs, including surgery, meals, and accommodations, were covered.
A Family’s Heartfelt Thanks
The family expressed profound gratitude for the care they received.
Nyiransengimana remarked, “We thank God and the doctors who treated my husband and children. Their compassion gives us hope that others with similar issues will also be helped.”
Ntakirutimana was particularly appreciative of the hospital’s holistic care, “The hospital provided everything we needed, from adequate meals to attentive medical care. It was a remarkable experience.”
Upon returning home, the family was warmly welcomed by neighbors and relatives who were overjoyed to see their improved condition.
Judith Nyirabunyenzi, Ntakirutimana’s mother, was particularly moved, “I thank God for using Kabgayi Eye Hospital to heal my son and grandchildren. May the hospital staff be abundantly blessed.”
Dr. Theophile Tuyisabe, the hospital director, emphasized the need to address misconceptions that prevent timely treatment.
He said, “Many parents delay seeking treatment for their children due to unfounded fears. It’s important to understand that eye conditions, no matter their severity, can often be treated successfully.”
With over 30 years of experience, Kabgayi Eye Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals battling vision problems across Rwanda.
