Bilal Al-Memi

While delivering her baby, Bilal’s mother suffered from a lack of oxygen, which had negatively affected her baby boy Bilal, and in turn affected his vision.

Bilal is currently twenty years old. He lives with his parents, along with eight brothers and sisters in Al- Duhaisha refugee camp near Bethlehem.  His father works as a construction laborer and is the only provider for his family.
The highest education Bilal could get is his primary education.  His diminishing eyesight had a huge impact on his grades and unfortunately, he had no other choice but to leave school. He could hardly recognize friends, relatives, or neighbors. As a result he was socially abandoned.

Despite the fact that a construction laborer can barely satisfy his family with few basic needs, Bilal’s father tried his best to restore his son’s sight.  Bilal tried the contact lenses and eye glasses but with no hope, his case was too complicated since he suffered mainly from Keratoconus (Conical shaped cornea). The recommendation was to undergo a corneal implantation surgery which replaces the old cornea with a new one.  Sadly it was impossible for Bilal’s father to afford the very expensive surgery outside the country.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital heard of Bilal’s situation and offered to help. Fortunately Bilal was on the top of our waiting list because of his situation and age.  Bilal has now resumed his secondary education which was his top priority. In addition to Bilal, this surgery has positively affected his family especially his parents.

“I feel as if I gained the whole world, my son can enjoy a normal life, he could see clearly now.  The visually impaired people suffer from cultural and social challenges, especially young people.  I was very impressed by the hospital, we received the best medical treatment”.

Mr Al-Memi