Hamzeh Ziad Mohammad Farawani, Askar Refugee Camp, March 2010

Hamzeh is a healthy, ten year old boy, from the Askar Refugee Camp in Nablus. His father works as an accountant in a bank and his mother is a housewife.  His grandparents were made refugees in 1948 and the grandfather was killed in the war, leaving behind a pregnant wife, who then single-handedly brought up her son (Hamzeh’s father).

On 28 February 2010, Hamzeh was out with his friends and, on his way home, he slipped on muddy ground and fell hitting his face against a metallic fence.  The retina in his right eye detached.  His father immediately took him to a local ophthalmologist for primary repair of his wound and he was then referred to the St. John Eye Clinic in Anabta for further treatment. 

Hamzeh was examined by the team in Anabta who immediately decided that he should be seen by the Retinal Consultant at the Jerusalem Hospital.  Upon arrival at Jerusalem, Hamzeh was examined by the Consultant and, as well as the detached retina in his right eye, was found to have cataract in his left. 

*Hamzeh asleep on the Children's Ward in Jerusalem.   

Hamzeh underwent major, very complicated surgery that lasted for three hours, while his father and grandmother waited outside the operating theatre.  His opaque lens was removed and retinal detachment was repaired. He stayed four days as an inpatient and will return to the Hospital for regular check-ups. 

Hamzeh has now decided to be an ophthalmologist when he grows up.  He didn’t want to leave the Hospital until he was assured that he could come back after two weeks for his follow up.  His father was tearful as they finally did leave and expressed his gratitude to the team at the Hospital for the good care they took of his son.