After nightfall, the eyes could not see anything. His eyes sparkled even in the bright afternoon sun. The family did not know about the problem with the 10-year-old Sultan's eyes. An eye camp was held in the school a year ago. There it was known that Sultan had cataracts.

One year after the diagnosis of cataracts, Sultan underwent an operation at the Himalaya Eye Hospital in Pokhara-17 on Tuesday. Along with Sultan, his 8-year-old sister Sajadi Khatun, 4-year-old brother Ayan Hussain, 12-year-old son Raheesh Hussain and 10-year-old daughter Alisa Khatun also underwent cataract surgery on Tuesday.

Apart from Sultan, the remaining four members of the same family were diagnosed with cataracts a month ago. All of them had congenital cataracts. Rehana Khatun, the grandmother of five, also underwent cataract surgery in Birganj seven years ago. 

Sultan's father Jabir Hussain and mother Ruksana Khatun reached the hospital a year ago. "Both children are examined at school. We didn't bring her daughter to the hospital because she said she would only wear glasses,'' Ruksana narrated the incident a year ago. We didn't do it at that time because it was expensive.'

Surgery on both eyes cost 35,000 rupees. Jabir works in a meat shop. He also did not dare to spend 35,000 for surgery. Sultan started visiting the school. He is studying in Class 1 at Nabin Secondary School in Pokhara-4 Gaihrapatan. A month ago there was an eye camp again in the school.

Sultan's brother, brother and two sisters were also diagnosed with cataracts in this camp. A month ago, the parents took all five people to the hospital. The doctor asked, 'Surgery should be done now. It costs 24,000 for both eyes and 10,000 for anesthesia. Can you?'' Rahish's mother Taira replied, 'We can't afford five people. Don't give discount.'

The doctor said that they will consult for discount. They were mailed the next day. Ruksana and Taira took the child and went to the hospital again on the same day as the doctor called. The doctor said that the hospital will bear all the expenses.

Informed to be admitted to hospital on July 5. Accordingly, all five of them underwent free cataract surgery on Tuesday. Now we are very happy. It didn't cost a single penny. All five people see eye to eye now,' Ruksana looked happy. Ruksana and Taira's family live in the same Dera in Persang. It has been 8 years since this family came to Pokhara. Both have five children each. Among them, Ruksana's three children and Taira's two children are suffering from cataracts.  _{After cataract surgery, Rhys and Alyssa are under the care of their mother, Taira. Photos: Anup Paudel}

Rahis and Alina could not see well in the sun since childhood. Raheesh also used to watch TV close to the screen. Just two months ago, he fell in the school square while playing. Then the teacher sent him home. A month ago, when both of them found out that they had cataracts, Taira was very worried. She had already understood that the surgery would cost 35,000. He was worried about how to get that money. He had one thought, "How can a man eat without eyes?" Who will take the daughter?'

Playing this question in her mind, she led both of them to the hospital. She pleaded for exemption from treatment. Finally, the doctors and the hospital understood the pain of the family who could not have cataract surgery for a year due to lack of finances.

When Rhys and Alyssa were in the operating room on Tuesday morning, Tyrama was visibly shaken. She used to walk from the ward to the door of the operating room. After three hours, both left there. Seeing their blindfolds, Taira remained silent for a few moments. The pain that arose when he saw the strip was momentary. He is even more happy with the news that all five children, including his two, will see eyes. Now they see well with their eyes. Read well. I will do something in my future," she said.

Ruksana and Taira do not have high expectations for the child. There are three reasons for this. First - I was late in teaching, second - I was troubled by eye problems, third - financial situation. 12-year-old Raheesh, 10-year-old Alisa, Sajadi and Sultan are barely studying in class 1, having been sent to school two years ago. 4 year old Ayan is in nursery. Taira thinks that she would have gotten up from poverty and studied well. We cannot make them doctors. I want to teach so much that no matter where I go in the world, I can eat," she said.