Corrective Eye Surgery - Before and After Stories

We are deeply moved to share these before and after pictures from Lao Friends Hospital for Children. These children had eye conditions corrected through specialized pediatric surgery, addressing congenital deformities and complex abnormalities that could have profoundly affected their development, confidence, and future.

This transformative work was made possible by the volunteer surgical team from Eye From Zion in Israel, who performed corrective surgeries for more than 25 children. This was the first-ever eye surgical mission conducted in LFHC, and it represents something profound for families in our region. Many of these children would not have had any chance at all, as these types of surgeries can only be done in Vientiane or abroad. The costs are far beyond what most families can afford. Without this mission, these children would have simply gone without treatment.

After the surgeries, The Hikarikanata Foundation from Japan is funding the follow-up care essential to ensuring each child recovers fully and achieves the best possible outcome.

Four months on, we saw some of these children again in our hospital when the Hikarikanata Foundation came to visit. The changes on all of them were remarkable. Many of them now carry themselves with a renewed self-confidence that wasn't there before. Their big smiles say everything about how they feel now, proud and unafraid to be seen.

Behind every photograph is a child's story. Like six-year-old Navin, who can now attend school without the stares or discomfort. Phimdala's parents are relieved knowing their child's eyes are aligned and functioning, and she can go to school without being bullied. Eleven-year-old Phonethip has a future full of new possibilities, all because her confidence has been restored

When we witness results like these, we're reminded why partnerships rooted in compassion and expertise matter so profoundly. Timely intervention changes everything.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who are involve in this ongoing mission.