Muanema Fakira was distraught when she discovered her daughter Sumaya's left eye appeared cloudy. Concerned for her child's future, she journeyed to several local health clinics, only to be told there was little they could do. However, hope emerged when she learned of Dr. Isaac Vasco da Gama, one of only three pediatric ophthalmologists in all of Mozambique.

After traveling 100 miles to Quelimane, Dr. da Gama diagnosed Sumaya with a congenital cataract, a potentially vision-threatening condition, uncommon in young children. With a reassuring presence, he explained that though cataracts are frequently associated with older adults, infections at birth can lead to similar issues in infants. The best part? A simple surgery could restore Sumaya’s eyesight, allowing her to continue her education and enjoy a brighter future.

Dr. da Gama has become a beacon of hope in Mozambique, performing dozens of surgeries weekly at Quelimane Central Hospital. By also educating nurses, teachers, and parents about eye health, he’s empowering communities to recognize and address vision problems early. The ripple effect of his work not only aids individual children like Sumaya but could transform the educational landscape for countless others in rural regions of the country.