Operafrica, a Hampshire/UK based group of volunteers, who work in the remote villages in The Gambia, in collaboration with Sight Savers International (SSI), and the National Eye Care Programme Unit (NECP), recently funded a four-day sight-screening programme for 40 people in the villages of Berrending, Madina Sallam and Gunjur in Kombo South.

Among the programmes implemented were eye- screening, cataract operations for 40 people, minor operations for 11 people, amongst others.

In an interview with the Daily Observer soon after the screening process, Janice Cairns, Co-founder of Operafrica revealed that her organisation funded the whole screening programme, at a cost of about D50, 000. She said the turnout of patients was very encouraging. She added that over 40 villagers had their sight restored.

According to her, many more will benefit from prescribed spectacles.

Mrs. Cairns added that recovery sight is a life-changing experience at any age. “But for grandparents who have never seen their grandchildren and imagined a life confined to their compound stretching out before them, it is particularly moving. People in the streets are thanking Operafrica for giving them sight,” she said.

She added that many of the people are feeling positive about life after their operations, and commended the Operafrica for the assistance as they couldn’t afford the bus fare to the clinic.

The Operafrica Trustee further explained that The Gambia has a well respected eye care programme and effective cooperation between charities, like Operafrica and Sight Savers International with the National Eye Care Programme, will help bring sight to more people in The Gambia.