Imagine never being able to close your eye. Just one eye constantly open, susceptible to any contaminant that might float through the air and normally blockaded by the quick automatic blink of the eyelid.
Anderson was born with Ptosis, a condition in which causes both the upper and lower eyelids to droop. As a result, Anderson was never able to close his eye fully, even while asleep. This made him susceptible to cornea damage and infection.
Anderson lives with his family in the town of Huehuetenango, which is 6 hours by bus from Guatemala City, so it was challenging for the family to find a doctor who could help. However, they made the trip on several occasions to visit doctors in the city, but they had no luck in finding anyone who could cure his condition.
Finally, Anderson and his family came to know of the Visualiza eye clinics after a friend of his was treated during an outreach clinic in his own small town. When the family visited the clinic, the were pleased that the doctors there had a solution. But their excitement quickly turned to despair when they were told the cost of the surgery that they wouldn't be able to afford.
Anderson qualified to be covered for his surgery under the program, Ventanitas de Luz (Little Windows of Light), which is a pediatric eye care program in which children between the ages of 5 and 14 receive eye glasses and necessary surgeries free of cost.
Anderson received his surgery through the program, which cured his Ptosis. He and his family are infinitely grateful to those who have made this project possible. Supporters include the Ministry of Education in Guatemala City and the Ministry of Heath in the Department of the Peten as well as The SEVA Foundation and donations raised by participants in Climb for Sight who raise funds through seeking out sponsorships for their climb.