Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
A 36-year-old Harare mother of four, Marvellous Nyama, is appealing for US$4 350 to undergo emergency eye surgery after doctors warned that her worsening condition could lead to permanent blindness and affect her remaining functional eye.
Mrs Nyama, who was born blind due to cataracts, later regained sight after she was operated on by renowned eye specialist Dr Solomon Guramatunhu in 1991.
She was able to see with the assistance of artificial lenses, which had to be replaced in 1999 and 2014 in South Africa.
Since then, she has had no problems until last month, when she started having problems with her left eye..
“Last month I started seeing changes in my left eye. I noticed a white and brown coat forming, so I went to the doctor,” she said.
“They referred me to Dr Guramatunhu, who then advised me to get a B-scan because my eye was very soft.
“After reviewing the scan results, Dr Guramatunhu diagnosed a retinal detachment accompanied by a mild stroke in the affected eye.”
She added that Dr Guramatunhu he was no longer performing such surgeries and referred her to Dr Sibanda, the only surgeon in the country who can perform the delicate corrective procedure that needs to be performed behind the eye.
According to Mrs Nyama, Dr Sibanda warned that if the eye is not attended to urgently, she could lose it and also lose sight in her right eye.
“My right eye is barely functioning and if it continues to be strained, I will go blind again,” she said.
“I am the one fending for the family since my husband, who has always been handicapped, fell and his condition worsened to the extent that he cannot do anything for himself.
“I am a vendor, I buy shaving sticks and other small goods in town and sell them in Mbare and Jambanja.
“But now I can’t work, I can’t walk alone, and even going to the clinic requires one of my children to miss school to help me.”
With schools reopening in January, she fears she will be unable to pay her children’s fees, rent, or even provide basic food.
Mrs Nyama said they had exhausted their savings and US$600 that had been raised from family and friends on scans and other procedures that were required to diagnose her problem.
“I am asking for any form of assistance. Apart from Dr Sibanda, the surgery can only be done in South Africa or India,” she said.
Those wishing to assist can send contributions via EcoCash to 0772 895 559 (Mercy Muwirimi) or to FBC Bank Nostro, Freddy Nyama: 0470281260182. For more information, Mrs Nyama can be contacted on 0774 409 575.
