Successful surgery saves Somali girl

Doctors save six-year-old Nimo's vision after complex eye tumour removal

RAWALPINDI:

Surgeons at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital successfully removed a congenital tumour from the eye of a six-year-old Somali girl, Nimo, which had been spreading toward her brain and posed life-threatening complications.

The child had undergone treatment in different countries, but the desired results could not be achieved. However, following a successful surgery at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, the risk to her life and the danger of complete vision loss were eliminated.

Senior ophthalmologist Prof Dr Tayyab Afghani said the girl's parents arrived in Pakistan after a delay, during which time the tumour had increased in size and vision in the affected eye had already been lost. A detailed examination revealed that the tumour was continuously expanding, prompting an immediate decision for surgical intervention to protect the patient from fatal complications.

A joint team of specialists completed the operation without any major complications. According to the hospital administration, the child's condition is satisfactory, and she is recovering rapidly.

Dr Afghani said the case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and access to specialised treatment, as delays can lead to serious consequences.

According to data from the World Health Organisation, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from some degree of visual impairment, with a large proportion living in developing countries where access to quality healthcare facilities is limited. In many parts of South Asia and Africa, treatable eye diseases continue to cause blindness.

Al-Shifa Trust is a non-profit organisation providing services with the support of philanthropists. The hospital states that nearly 80 per cent of patients receive free treatment, while complex surgeries rely on special funds and donations.