From Early Detection to Restored Vision: Emmanuel Mutugi’s Journey
When our team met Emmanuel Mutugi during one of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) mobile clinics conducted in community villages, he was just five months old. What began as a routine outreach wellness check quickly became a pivotal moment in his life.
During the checkup, the team noticed that Emmanuel’s eyes were misaligned. Early screening at our mobile village clinics is key to ensuring that children in remote areas are reached before conditions worsen. In Emmanuel’s case, this early detection led to the identification of strabismus (squinted eyes), a condition that can affect visual development if left untreated. He was promptly referred to an eye specialist, who confirmed the diagnosis.
Through our structured referral system, Emmanuel was linked to Kikuyu Eye Hospital for specialized evaluation. A comprehensive squint assessment was conducted, and corrective surgery was recommended.
Following the diagnosis, Emmanuel remained in regular follow-up with our clinical team, attending clinic visits and specialist appointments. However, due to geographic distance and his mother’s understandable fear of surgery for such a young child, the family disengaged from care for approximately 18 months.
During this period, our team continued with follow-up efforts. When contact was re-established, Emmanuel’s mother shared that distance and anxiety about surgery had delayed her decision. With continued reassurance and support, she gained confidence and later reached out, ready for her son to proceed with treatment.
At age three, Emmanuel underwent corrective surgery. Both eyes were operated on to achieve proper alignment. The procedure was funded by HopeCore, ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent access to care. We also facilitated hospital assessments, specialist reviews, and pre-surgical medical evaluations.
The surgery was successful.
Post-operative reviews confirmed proper ocular alignment and significant improvement in Emmanuel’s vision. We covered prescribed post-surgical medication and facilitated review appointments at Kikuyu Eye Hospital to support his recovery. He continues to be monitored through HopeCore’s MCH and Vision programs, and the team will continue providing guidance as needed.
Beyond the clinical results, Emmanuel’s confidence has grown. With improved sight and corrected alignment, he now engages more freely with his surroundings, building a strong foundation for learning, social interaction, and healthy development.
“I don’t know what would have happened without this support. You have really helped me.”
Emmanuel’s story illustrates the power of integrated community healthcare — where village-based mobile clinics, early detection, sustained follow-up, an effective referral system, and specialized vision services work together to transform a child’s life trajectory.
It also reminds us that barriers such as distance and fear can delay care, but persistence, accessibility, and compassionate engagement can restore both sight and hope.
Through its holistic model, HopeCore continues to ensure that children in rural communities are not only screened early but are also supported through the full continuum of care — from identification to successful treatment and ongoing monitoring.
Thank you to all our Vision Program donors, especially Kathy Sangster, who make this funding support for needy families possible!