Gift of Sight Gift

Obert the donkey was brought to SPANA’s mobile clinic in Chivi, Zimbabwe, with a swollen, weeping eye. His owner, Samson, noticed the poor donkey holding his eye shut in discomfort. The team suspected an infection or a corneal ulcer, which without treatment can lead to blindness. Our vets examined Obert’s eye, applying fluorescein, a safe dye which highlights any damage on the eye’s surface. They diagnosed a corneal ulcer, possibly caused by debris blown into his eye in the dry conditions of rural Zimbabwe. Left untreated, the ulcer would become more painful and potentially lead to scarring or in severe cases, even ruptures.

The vet team acted quickly, applying topical eye ointment and anti-inflammatory pain relief medication to reduce the pain and swelling. Samson was then taught how to administer Obert’s eye drops at home. With continued care and follow-up appointments, Obert’s problem was successfully treated and he regained his full vision.