Abu Dhabi: Life-changing surgery helps mother see her children clearly again
But after moving to the UAE three years ago, a comprehensive assessment at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi revealed how advanced her condition had become, and she was put on a treatment plan.
Now, the 34-year-old Indonesian mother of two can see her children's faces clearly again. 'When the bandages came off, the first thing I saw clearly was my daughter's smile. It felt like a second life,' said Ellyzabeth. 'The Moorfields team treated me with such care and gave me back my confidence, and for that I am extremely grateful."
Her journey to restored vision began with a fresh assessment by Dr Usman Mahmood, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network. While Ellyzabeth had been previously diagnosed with glaucoma in Indonesia, the examination in Abu Dhabi revealed more complex issues, including dense cataracts in both eyes and strabismus, or squint, that caused eye misalignment and further blurred her vision. 'The cataracts stemmed from chronic uveitis, affecting the back of the eye,' said Dr Mahmood. 'We needed to remove them under steroid control before we could correct her alignment. It demanded close collaboration across our sub-specialities.'
Ellyzabeth underwent a carefully staged surgical plan, beginning with cataract removal in both eyes — left first, then right. 'Comprehensive testing is vital in complex cases like Ellyzabeth's,' Dr Mahmood explained. 'Addressing the cataracts first allowed us to accurately measure her squint and plan the second procedure, ultimately giving her the best possible outcome. I'm pleased to see that her vision improved significantly, along with her quality of life, and she seems very happy.'
She was then referred to Dr Irfan Khan, Consultant Ophthalmologist, who performed strabismus correction surgery to realign her eyes and restore binocular vision. 'There is a common misconception that squint surgery cannot be performed in eyes which have poor vision - that's a myth,' said Dr Khan. 'If the surgery is performed properly and is successful, patients can maintain good ocular alignment for the rest of their lives. I'm so pleased with the outcome we were able to deliver for Ellyzabeth.' According to specialists, if left untreated, her vision would have continued to deteriorate, possibly to the point where she would no longer be able to read, care for her children, or safely navigate her environment.
'She couldn't see more than three metres ahead,' recalled Ellyzabeth's husband, Mochamad Soleh Wicaksono. 'While our doctor in Indonesia found glaucoma, they couldn't take any action because the nerve was too thin.' He described the treatment and procedures performed at Moorfields as a 'miracle' for his wife's sight. 'She used to know people by the sound of their voice - now she can see everyone, and that has changed our lives.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
40 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
How a UAE-led humanitarian initiative is saving Afghan mothers and children
When Shazia Mohammadi recently gave birth to her seventh child, it marked a historic moment ‚ not just for her family, but for thousands of Afghan mothers like her — who now have access to life-saving medical care through a UAE-led humanitarian initiative. 'Previously, we only had to give birth at home. But this clinic near our house has been a blessing,' said Shazia. Her husband, Ramadan, noted that it was their first experience to have professional medical care after six previous home births. Shazia and Ramadan are thankful to the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), a joint venture between Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed and Tanweer Investments in Afghanistan. It operates 10 clinics across seven provinces in Afghanistan, serving over 100,000 people through a project that impacts healthcare, education, and employment. FBMI's healthcare network provides maternity care, emergency obstetric services, pediatric care, and free vaccinations. Each facility serves over 100 patients daily, with culturally sensitive care delivered by locally trained staff. Beyond healthcare, FBMI's educational initiatives have supported over 20,000 children since 2010, providing literacy, numeracy, and health awareness programs. According to their leadership, FBMI approaches solutions and impact through the provision of healthcare, jobs and education. Watch the video below: 'These three pillars work together to create long-term stability,' FBMI CEO Maywand Jabarkhyl told Khaleej Times. 'Employment through our social enterprises gives families a reliable income, which supports access to healthcare and education," he added. Since 2010, FBMI has employed over 8,000 Afghans across sectors including healthcare support, agriculture, and carpet weaving. The programme creates sustainable employment while ensuring children receive education and families access medical care. 'The effect is transformative. Employment brings income, but more importantly, it brings dignity, stability, and hope. Families can send their children to school, afford basic needs, and take control of their futures,' said Jabarkyhl. Operating in Afghanistan presents its own set of challenges due to the geopolitical environment. 'The biggest challenge has been operating within the current uncertainty in Afghanistan,' said Jabarkhyl, adding: 'Political shifts, economic instability, and disruptions in infrastructure make it difficult to maintain consistency.' Cultural integration remains central to FBMI's way of working. 'Cultural understanding is built into every aspect of our work, We consult with community elders, employ local teams, and design programs that are in harmony with Afghan traditions and values.' The programme's success has inspired a broader expansion plan. 'Over the next 50 years, we aim to extend our reach to other countries in need,' noted Jabarkhyl. FBMI has already expanded into Tanzania and Zanzibar and looks forward to driving impact in other parts of the world.
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Look: How this UAE hospital is bringing colour and hope to children's cancer unit
Yas Clinic Hospital and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) have turned the walls of their pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit into a series of cheerful murals as part of a new initiative called 'Colours of Hope.' The project aims to brighten the treatment journey of young patients by surrounding them with images that spark imagination and build hope. It was launched under the UAE's Year of Community campaign and painted by Mariam AlHarthi, an Emirati artist and Yas Clinic employee. One wall features cartoon-style drawings of frontline workers standing beneath a falcon. Another shows a young Emirati boy and girl wandering through a desert and coming across a treasure chest near a watchtower and palm trees. A third painting shows two gazelles. According to a press release issued by ADSCC, the murals reflect themes of discovery, strength, and national pride, helping children imagine a future beyond illness. 'Every colour that brightens the walls of our pediatric bone marrow transplant unit reflects a powerful strength I witness daily in our young patients and in our medical team at Yas Clinic Hospital and Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre,' said Dr Fatema Al Kaabi, executive director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Programme. 'My ongoing wish is that these vibrant paintings breathe new hope into children as they go through their treatment. Through art and imagination, we strengthen each child's resolve and celebrate a unique journey toward healing.' Dr. Mansi Sachdev, consultant in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, added: 'When a child enters the bone marrow transplant unit, the road ahead can seem so long and difficult. My hope is that, through 'Colours of Hope,' every child and their family finds in these paintings a source of happiness, strength, and inspiration. "These aren't just images on walls, they tell a story of renewed potential, opening a door to laughter and light even in the hardest times. We are here to heal their bodies, and with compassion and creativity, we care for their spirits as well.' ADSCC said the project is part of its ongoing effort to make the healing environment more child-friendly and emotionally supportive for both patients and their families.
The National
13 hours ago
- The National
Dubai Mallathon guide: Dates, locations, how to register and more
Dubai is getting a new community fitness event next month. Launched on Thursday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the month-long event will allow people to run in the city's shopping centres during the summer heat. A fitness enthusiast and keen adventurer, Sheikh Hamdan is known for many of Dubai's health-focused activities, including the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge and its flagship events Dubai Run and Dubai Ride. Ahead of the first Dubai Mallathon, here's everything to know about the month-long initiative. What is Dubai Mallaton? A community event to help people stay active even during the summer months, Dubai Mallathon will give residents the chance to run, or walk, inside the city's cooled malls. Participants can pick from four categories: 2.5km run, 5km run, 10km run and any-pace walk, with free hydration stations provided at each of the start and finish areas. 'With the Dubai Mallathon, we're turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection and better habits,' Sheikh Hamdan said. 'We want everyone in Dubai to feel they can stay active and energised in welcoming spaces built with their needs in mind. This reflects our broader commitment to placing people and families at the heart of our development plans. 'This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world's best place to live, work and visit.' When is it taking place? The first Dubai Mallathon will take place from August 1 to 31 across seven malls in the city. The events will start at 7am until 10am every morning, right before the malls open to shoppers. Which malls are participating? Seven malls will open their doors earlier than usual for runners and walkers. These include Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, the Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall. Who can take part Dubai Mallathon is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, from seasoned runners to those simply looking for a casual stroll. Entre is free but preregistration is required. How to register Participants can register on Registration closes at 11.54pm on August 30, or sooner if places sell out.
