Eyes are the most precious of our senses, yet we often neglect their care and this negligence can
lead to lifelong blindness. Little Rehmat, just 8 years old, faced such an ordeal when what started
off as a simple case of itching in his left eye led to his cornea being damaged for life.
Hailing from Quetta, Rehmat’s father, Ghulam Rasool, supports the family by stitching cloth for
tents. His aging father and unmarried brother also live with him in their three bedroom rented
house. With five out of his nine children enrolled in school, Ghulam Rasool is overburdened
with responsibilities. His brother a daily wage earner contributes what little he can towards the
household expenses. A major chunk of Ghulam Rasool’s income goes towards paying rent but
despite their combined efforts the brothers have not been able to own a house of their own.
Rehmat is Ghulam’s middle child, since birth Rehmat has carved a special place in his family’s
heart owing to his sunny disposition and friendly, helpful nature. Studying in grade one, Rehmat
dreams of joining the army. Despite his young age, his vision for his future is clear. He wants to
serve his country and to achieve that he strives to study hard and is already top of his class.
About four months back, Rehmat’s left eye started to itch, he was constantly rubbing his eye and
it started to affect his studies as he was distracted most of the time. Eventually his teacher called
Ghulam Rasool to school and advised him to get Rehmat’s eye checked.
Ghulam took Rehmat to their neighborhood clinic for a checkup where he was prescribed eye
drops for two weeks. The itching improved temporarily but returned after a couple of days.
Someone then advised Ghulam to take Rehmat to the local hospital, where the doctor changed
the eye drops but soon after Rehmat started to complain of hazy vision. Distraught and clueless
as to where to go for help, Ghulam spent many a sleepless night fearing permanent damage to his
son’s eye. Rehmat too became withdrawn and quiet fearing he may be losing his vision. One day
he earnestly enquired from his sister that would anyone want to play with him if he was unable to
see. Just two years older in age, she quickly consoled him saying a child cannot go blind.
However, even at that young age Rehmat knew that there was a distinct possibility that he would
not be able to live his dream of joining the army due to his hazy vision.
Rehmat’s angel in disguise came in the form of their relative who had previously been treated at
LRBT. He advised Ghulam to take Rehmat to LRBT’s hospital. Ghulam was worried the fees
but his relative assured him that treatment is free for those who cannot afford it. Having never
experienced free treatment himself Ghulam was hesitant and delayed going till he had some
money saved up, but when Rehmat was unable to see at all from his left eye he quickly rushed
Rehmat to LRBT. Rehmat was examined and told he would need a corneal transplant at the
earliest as his cornea had been damaged due to neglect. The corneal tissue was arranged and
transplanted successfully. Rehmat is now able to see again with his left eye.
“My first reaction was fear when the doctor told me that my son would need a major surgery to
replace his cornea. Just the thought of him having the surgery under anesthesia was enough to give me nightmares, but the empathy and professionalism of the doctors and staff at LRBT gave
me the courage to agree to the surgery. It was the best decision of my life, the quality treatment
and care that my son received has enabled him to see clearly once again. I have my happy,
smiling Rehmat back and he is more determined than ever to serve his country, where
institutions like LRBT exist that enable the underprivileged to live independent, fulfilling lives.”
– Ghulam Rasool.
Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust