From blurred vision to bright horizons

Seventeen-year-old Yordanose Belay grew up in Bahir Dar facing years of silent struggle due to poor vision. She often fell behind in class, and eventually dropped out of school for two years. With limited options ahead, she almost gave up on her education and began planning to migrate for work.

Everything changed when Partners in Education Ethiopia, in collaboration with Operation Eyesight, brought an eye screening program to her school. During the screening, Yordanose’s visual impairment was identified, and just a week later, she received her first pair of eyeglasses.

“For the first time, I could see everything clearly. Now I believe in my future. I want to continue my education and become an eye health professional to help others like me,” says Yordanose.

Today, her grades are improving, her confidence has grown, and her dreams are brighter than ever.

Through partnerships like this, Partners in Education Ethiopia and Operation Eyesight are helping students overcome barriers that stand in the way of their learning—proving that sometimes, a small intervention can open up a whole new world of possibilities.