Sophie Wessex saved a seven-month-old baby’s sight after spotting him squint during a charity trip to Bangladesh.
The Countess was in the remote region on Barisal, to see the work of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, when she met little Junayed and his parents in November.
It was while she posed for a photo with the tot that she noticed a squint in his eye, or strabismus, and called for a doctor to treat him.
Sophie Wessex saved seven-month-old Junayed’s sight after spotting him squint during a charity trip to Bangladesh (pictured, the Countess poses for a photo with the youngster)
It was while she posed for a photo with the tot (left) that she noticed a squint in his eye, or strabismus, and called for a doctor to treat him
The Countess’s observation could have been crucial, because strabismus can often lead to the troubled eye shutting off.
Sophie was in Barisal to see how the Trust was working to raise awareness of the risk of blindness from diabetes.
Soon after her visit, the Fred Hollows Foundation arranged for Junayed to receive timely treatment to ensure the sight in his affected eye was saved.
Before the Trust’s programme started in Bangladesh, people in rural communities had little or no access to quality eye health care.
Those who required treatment had to travel to Dhaka – a day’s journey by road or boat – making it almost inaccessible for those who need it most.
Dr Md Ashiqur Rahman, Assistant Professor at Shre-e Bangla Medical College and Hospital, provided Junayed with free treatment, and advised that he receive further treatment again in six months’ time.
Junayed and his mother Fatima visit the Shre-e Bangla Medical College and Hospital for treatment
The Countess enjoys a cuddle with Junayed during her visit to the remote region of Barisal
Dr Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive of the Trust said,’It is such wonderful news to learn that Junayed has received successful treatment to correct his squint, a condition that is often not picked up in time for treatment to be effective.
‘As our Vice-Patron, and in her many other roles across eye health sector, The Countess has been instrumental in raising global awareness about the issue of avoidable blindness, and calling advocating for eye health access to people who need it most.
‘The Countess was visibly moved by this little boy and I’m sure she will be thrilled that his condition is being treated. I can’t think of a better birthday present than knowing you’ve saved someone’s sight.’