First published January 2, 2025 by Cure Blindness Project
Cure Blindness Project board chair Dr. Matt Oliva calls the ophthalmic nurses he works alongside in Ethiopia the “real heroes” of high volume outreaches. These trained healthcare workers manage patient flow, prep patients for surgery, reassure anxious patients and assist doctors, as well as a list of other things.
“They are the heart of all of our outreaches,” says Oliva. “They are critical to an outreach’s success. Their commitment to quality ensures each patient has the best possible experience with the highest quality results.”
For ophthalmic nurse Ezedin Jemal (pictured on the right, below), working with Cure Blindness Project isn’t just a job but “a mission that aligns deeply with my personal and professional values. The project’s commitment to eradicating preventable blindness in underserved regions has motivated me to continue my work, knowing every outreach surgery can immediately improve someone’s quality of life.”
“[Ophthalmic nurses] are the heart of all of our outreaches. They are critical to an outreaches’ success.”
— Matt Oliva
He made the decision to specialize in ophthalmic care after attending a training conference and hearing stories of sight restored.
“That first mission with Cure Blindness was enough to draw me in,” Ezedin says. “And I’ve been actively involved ever since. Over the years, I’ve taken on increasingly significant roles, particularly in coordinating outreach efforts. What captivated me most was the organization’s clear, achievable mission and the tangible, life-changing impact on other people’s lives. It’s this combination that has kept me dedicated to the cause, driving me to continue expanding access to quality eyecare for those who need it most.”
“While it’s always encouraging to be recognized for our efforts, the truth is that this work is a collective endeavor. None of this would be possible without the support of the entire team, including the volunteers who all come together to make each outreach a success.The word “hero” reminds me of the privilege we have to use our skills to make a difference. If that makes us heroes, it’s a title I am proud to share with everyone involved in this mission.”
Kedir Mohammed (pictured on the left, above), an ophthalmic nurse at Bisidimo Hospital, has been working with Cure Blindness Project and Dr. Oliva since 2016.
“I have a strong desire and motivation to serve my community with eye problems,” Kedir says. “Day and night. Saturday and Sunday. Summer and winter. Without tiredness.”
Kedir chose to specialize in eye care after learning of Ethiopia’s shortage of ophthalmic-trained health professionals. “So many people are suffering from ocular disease,” he says. For the past eight years, Kedir has concentrated his skills on curing blindness.
“From all (the) outreaches I have participated (in), I have never forgotten one adolescent. Her name was Fatiya. At the age of six years, she became mute, deaf and blind. Her happiness and smiling face (I will) never forget.”
“Someone suffering blindness whose vision is restored is born again. They are full of joy and smile faces. As their care provider, I’m very happy to see them with vision and self-reliance. Having recognition from such a scholar, hero, compassionate and community-oriented like Dr. Matt Oliva makes me lucky and very happy. However I do tittle, he gives me a recognition which leads me to do more and motivation to strengthen his trust and goal.”
“Someone suffering blindness whose vision is restored is born again. As their care provider, I’m very happy to see them with vision and self-reliance.”
— Kedir Mohammed
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