Healing Generations: How Pranish and His Grandmother Overcame Vision Loss Together

Front row: Pranish and his grandmother, Narayan DeviBack row: Pranish’s mother, brother, father and grandfather © Courtesy of Seva Canada

Healing Generations: How Pranish and His Grandmother Overcame Vision Loss Together

In a village in Nepal, a young boy named Pranish shares a profound bond with his grandmother, Narayan Devi. Together, they have spent countless hours reading stories and tending to their family garden. They also share a special bond because of something they both lost—their sight.

For Pranish, it began in nursery school with persistent blinking, followed by blurriness that obscured the blackboard and his books. As his vision deteriorated, he lost confidence and many of the joys of childhood, including drawing and playing with friends. His education—and his future— became very uncertain.

Narayan Devi’s journey was similarly heartbreaking. Slowly, she lost her vision, independence, connection to her community, and many things that gave her life meaning—like going to the market or tending to her beloved garden.

According to the Lancet Global Health, 1.1 billion people— predominantly in low- and middleincome countries—continue to have their lives and futures limited by vision loss. What makes it all the more tragic is that nine times out of 10, vision loss is preventable or treatable with access to proper eye care. Many people, like Pranish and Narayan, tragically lack access to these vital services.

“Uncorrected vision loss is the world’s greatest unaddressed disability, which is something we don’t think about in North America, because it’s so simple to correct here,” said Liz Brant, executive director at Seva Canada, a Vancouver-based charity dedicated to restoring sight and preventing blindness for underserved communities around the world. “But, in low-income countries, it’s completely different. Even the lack of a simple pair of glasses can mean that a child can’t get an education or a family is missing a main income earner.”

Fortunately, Pranish's teacher noticed he was struggling and urged his parents to visit the local Community Eye Centre (CEC).

At the CEC, affiliated with the Bharatpur Eye Hospital, Pranish was diagnosed with cataracts. Though alarming for his family, they learned that surgery could restore his sight.

At the eye hospital, Pranish and his family met Dr. Manisha Shrestha, an ophthalmologist who received pediatric subspecialty training in Vancouver, funded by Seva Canada donors. With her expertise and compassion, Pranish underwent two successful surgeries, a month apart, and received prescription glasses to help him see clearly as he continues to grow.

As his vision returned, so did his confidence and spark. “He’s second in his class now!” his proud father smiled. “He’s filling pages with his drawings, playing in the schoolyard with his friends, and reading stories with his grandmother again!”

Inspired by her grandson’s experience, Narayan Devi decided to seek help for her own fading vision. Upon discovering she also had cataracts, Pranish comforted her: “It’s okay, Grandma; the operation doesn’t hurt!”

After her successful surgery, Narayan Devi has regained her independence and can make her way around the community without worry. “It’s easier to go outside now. I can do my gardening again,” she smiled.

As Liz Brant emphasized, “Pranish and Narayan Devi’s life-changing transformations are a testament to the ripple effect of restoring vision—not just for individuals but for families and communities. Vision loss can lead to lost education, independence, employment opportunities, and perpetuate cycles of poverty. By supporting accessible eye care programs, we can change lives and build healthier communities for all.”

Vision is one of life’s greatest gifts. This holiday season is your chance to give it. Donations made to Seva Canada before December 31st will be matched.

Visit seva.ca/holidaymatch to learn more.