Ellembelle Outreach Report

Restoring Sight in Ghana’s Western Region

Not far from the water settlement of Nzulezu and along the lush coastal shoreline, Daybreak Vision Project and partner Liveview Technologies hosted a high-volume cataract outreach at St. Martin de Porres hospital in Ellembelle, Ghana. 464 cataract surgeries were performed during November 10-15, 2025. 

What a typical day looks like

Hundreds of patients and caregivers awoke early with the sun, left their farms and homes, and braved long journeys through dense terrain for one reason: better sight.

Screeners visited dozens of villages over several days to find individuals of all ages who have cataracts. Arrangements were made to transport them to St. Martin so they could receive sight-restoring surgery at no cost to them.

Surgeons, medical personnel, and volunteers also made long journeys from the U.S.A. and Kumasi to help those in greatest need.

Lines formed early on Monday and volunteers and medical teams assisted patients as they arrived. Volunteers carefully and cheerfully led patients from one station to the next, calling each person by name and offering everyone encouragement throughout the day.

The process

• At Visual Acuity, staff re-tested everyone’s vision to confirm each patient was indeed a candidate for cataract surgery in one or both eyes. Patients were issued a chart and wristband to ensure patient safety and accountability.

• Next, in Biometry, medical personnel used specialized equipment to determine exact measurements of the affected eye(s) and correct lenses were issued.

• In Dilation, a series of drops were placed in each operative eye to open the pupil as much as possible. This helps contribute to a safe surgery.

• Finally, in Blocking, medical personnel applied a retrobulbar block to immobilize each operative eye and ensure minimal discomfort during surgery.

• Once in the operating room, surgeons made a small incision and removed the cloudy lens and replaced it with a clear, artificial lens specially fitted for that eye. Without complications, the procedure takes about 15 minutes and has a materials cost of $25 per eye.

• Surgeons placed a bandage over each operative eye, and patients were reunited with their caregivers to spend the night nearby and rest.

  
  

  

Celebrating each daybreak moment

Mornings were full of anticipation as patients were lined up side by side in the courtyard to receive follow-up instructions in their local language. At Post-Op Patch Removal, surgeons gently removed each patch and waited for the Daybreak Moment: when light first penetrates the darkness. 

Patients were full of joy and gratitude. Joseph, a 28-yr-old who has had limited sight since he was young, reacted with a calm smile when he realized he could see his brother clearly. One-legged Sabana, who had been bilaterally blind for three years, erupted in happiness and waved her hands in the air. Comfort stood up to sing and dance while Grace immediately started hugging every volunteer and surgeon in sight. Elizabeth ran across the courtyard to find her new baby and husband.

Most patients doubted if they could ever see clearly again, especially overnight. It’s a miracle worth celebrating every single time. A few children, Arthur and Grace, were operated on by a pediatric specialist and both had improved outcomes.

With their patches removed, patients had their vision tested again. Even with some swelling and inflammation from surgery, most patients noticed significant improvement. Many looked around at leaves on trees and wrinkles on faces, and some read their medical charts or words on clothing.

Before departure, patients and caregivers receive medication, sunglasses, and instructions in their local language for follow-up care.

Wide-spread Impact

As they prepared to return home, many walked unassisted for the first time in years, filled with renewed hope. Some would be able to return to work, like Thomas who lost his full sight three years ago and had to give up his job as a driver. All will have improved independence and rely less on a son or daughter who has had to alter their lives to care for them. 

As everyone–volunteers, medical professionals, caregivers, and patients–made their respective journeys home, all agreed on the community-wide impact of restored sight.