Frequently, people from all over the world travel to the Lighthouse to seek expert low vision care. But for one 16-year-old girl named Saron Zewdie, coming to the US from her home country of Ethiopia was a far-off dream.
Saron, like so many other children in Ethiopia, and across Africa, has a degenerative eye condition. At age four, she was diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness) and a pediatric anterior polar cataract, which can impact childhood vision development. She also had retinal degeneration, which can cause blindness if the retina detaches. With no advanced medical eye treatment available in her hometown of Addis Ababa, Saron was at high risk of losing her vision.
A Sister’s Devotion
As Saron’s vision deteriorated, her older sister, KéAbnesh, became a driving force in bringing her to New York City, where she had set down roots following a year of travel in 2005 as “Miss Tourism Africa.” KéAbnesh was working as a fashion model and for an Ethiopia-centered NGO when her father wrote of Saron’s worsening condition.
“There’s always a beacon of light — a ‘lighthouse,’ if you will — when all else around you seems dark,” says KéAbnesh, who lept into action seeking expert help.
One person she contacted was Bruce Rosenthal, OD, Chief of Low Vision Programs for Lighthouse International, in the hope that he could assist KéAbnesh in her long and tireless effort to secure visas for Saron and her mother.
KéAbnesh also established the New Vision Children Foundation (NVCF) and began raising money to bring Saron — whom she calls, “my little angel” — to New York. Saron was the inspiration behind NVCF, which today is helping other economically disadvantaged children with vision impairments gain access to the best doctors, low vision care and surgical treatments available.
A Warm Welcome
A bright and lively teenager, Saron arrived in New York this past summer and met with Dr. Rosenthal, who conducted specialized low vision tests to evaluate her vision. He referred her to a corneal specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital to evaluate whether cataract surgery — and possibly refractive surgery to decrease the strength of her lenses — would be recommended at some point. Next steps may include surgery, highly customized lenses and careful medical monitoring of Saron’s retinal condition.
Dr. Rosenthal says, “I’m optimistic that options exist both to treat Saron’s conditions and to enhance her quality of life. This was the first — and very exciting — step for her.”
A Home-Cooked Thanks
Following Saron’s initial evaluations, her family wanted to thank everyone who helped bring Saron to the US and contributed to her care. Her mother cooked a feast of Ethiopian specialties for a dinner party held at the Lighthouse. During the celebration, Saron spoke from the heart.“Getting the chance to come to the US — and having the hope of a better future — was life-changing,” says Saron. “When I went to the Lighthouse, the people were very kind, especially Dr. Rosenthal, whose welcoming words inspired me to look forward to what could happen next, instead of worrying about my condition.”
Today, Saron lives in New York City with her mother and sister, goes to high school and is adjusting well to life as a “regular teenager!”
KéAbnesh says, “I am very grateful to Lighthouse International. Without Dr. Rosenthal’s absolute kindness, undying support, referrals and assistance, my sister and mother might still be in Ethiopia worried about Saron’s future, and NVCF would still be a dream. I can sincerely say that, for me, Dr. Rosenthal and the Lighthouse has opened the door to new vision, not only for my little angel, but also, hopefully for many more children with vision problems across Africa.”
Photo Caption: Dr. Bruce Rosenthal with sisters Saron, far left, and KéAbnesh Zewdie
