For most of his life, Augustin Jonas had accepted that he would never see with his left eye again.
He lost the use of that eye when he was 15 years old. His mother took him to the hospital, but his sight could not be restored. After that experience, Augustin stopped seeking treatment for his eye and learned to live with vision in only one eye.
Years later, during a Sight.org surgical outreach in Atakpamé, Augustin was given an opportunity he never expected.
There was a chance he might see again.
Living with Vision in Only One Eye
Augustin continued building a life for himself despite his limited vision.
After leaving school because his family could no longer afford it, he began cooking and selling food. Over time, he became a chef.
But living and working with only one functioning eye was not easy.
Augustin often had difficulty recognizing people’s faces from a distance. Bright sunlight also caused significant discomfort in his left eye, making it harder for him to work consistently.
His limited vision affected more than his work. It also made some parts of daily life more difficult and caused him to withdraw from certain situations.
For many years, Augustin simply accepted that his vision would never improve.
A Cataract Screening at Church
Then something changed.
One day, Augustin’s pastor announced that a free cataract screening would be offered for church members experiencing eye problems.
Augustin decided to attend.
During the screening, he was diagnosed with a traumatic cataract. The doctors explained that surgery might help, but they could not guarantee that his vision would return.
After so many years without sight in that eye, Augustin was understandably uncertain. Still, he chose to travel to Atakpamé for surgery through Sight.org.
He chose to move forward with faith.
Cataract Surgery in Atakpamé
Augustin said the team treated him with kindness and clearly explained the procedure.
The surgery was completed, and his eye was bandaged while he rested.
The next day, the bandage was removed.
Augustin could see with his left eye again.
After years of relying on only one eye, he could finally see with both.
Returning to Work with Greater Confidence
Since surgery, Augustin has noticed meaningful changes in everyday life.
He can recognize faces more easily from a distance. Bright sunlight no longer causes the same discomfort in his left eye, allowing him to work more comfortably and consistently as a chef.
Cooking, selling food, and moving through daily life are easier now that he has better vision in both eyes.
Most of all, Augustin has regained something he had lost years ago: hope that his situation could change.
Augustin was deeply grateful to the Sight.org team and everyone who helped make his surgery possible.
Stories like Augustin’s are possible because of the people who pray, serve, give, and stand alongside Sight.org’s work in Togo.
Because of you, Augustin can see with both eyes again. Thank you.
