Young girl can see mum at last thanks to Dubai eye clinic

Adetutu and her mum Gwen with Dr Khurram

A two-year-old girl can see her mum clearly for the first time in her life thanks to a Dubai doctor.

Adetutu Gold Adejola was born in Nigeria with cataracts that clouded the lens in each eye, and her mother Gwen was unable to afford treatment.

However, Dr Darakhshanda Khurram, consultant pediatric ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, offered to do the operation for free after Gwen emailed the hospital about her daughter’s condition.

The specialist said that when her young patient opened her eyes after surgery she was examining her hands and everything around her.

“It was nice to see her smiling,” Khurram said. “After the surgery the kids usually look at their hands, people around them and the lights because they are very happy they can see so clearly.”

The child and her mum were flown in and given accommodation for free while two operations were carried out.

Khurram said Adetutu had endured significantly low vision.

“Usually when the child is born with cataracts or aphakia, they have to wear very thick and heavy glasses and Adetutu was not wearing the glasses,” said the doctor. “So we assessed the situation and carried out an eye surgical procedure where we implanted an intraocular lens in the eyes.

“We are all delighted that the treatment was successful and that we were able to help a baby girl who has been through so much, at such a young age, and to help the struggling mother.”

The treatment repairs the eyesight and is permanent. The usual price for this procedure is between Dhs12,000 and Dhs15,000 for each eye.

Adetutu’s mother said: “I was extremely surprised and grateful to the staff at Moorfields for the treatment and for the very pleasant and homely environment.”

Khurram added the surgery has made a great impact on Adetutu’s life because it will aid her when she starts going to school.

sarwat@7days.ae