By: Nyima Sillah
Mamat Njie, 36, visually impair young Gambian is appealing for financial support in order to go on overseas treatment.
Njie was recently referred for low vision rehabilitation overseas and has been invited by Moorfields Private Eye Hospital in London for consultation and possible treatment but he has financial constraints to fly to the UK as well to pay his medical bills.
According to a medical document signed by Dr. Okoh AJ, an ophthalmologist at Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, the 36 old man presented this poor vision deficiency to healthcare officials about seven years ago.
“The poor vision has been progressively and painlessly decreasing. The poor vision was markedly obvious at night and in a relatively poor lighted environment. Reviews of systems were unremarkable. He had no family history of similar eye condition,” the medical statement said.
It added: “He had several interventions, medical and tradition without significant improvement.”
The medical report further indicated that the most recent examination has revealed an unaided visual acuity of hand movement in both eyes.
“Vision in the right only improves to 1/60 with -2.00DS-2.50DSx180. The anterior segment in both eyes was essentially normal except for bilateral lenticular opacities.
“Fundal examination showed bilateral pale disc with widespread hyperpigmented bony spicule lesions. He was managed as a case of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
“He was educated and counseled. He referred for visual field, low vision assessment and possible visual rehabilitation. He may require cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation with guarded prognosis,” this was stated in his medical document by the doctor.
The management of Moorfields Private Eye Hospital in London in a letter confirmed receiving recommendation from Banjul to handle Mr. Njie’s eye health situation.
According to the medical letter from Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, the appointment will be held at Moorfields Private Outpatient Centre, 9-11 Bath Street, London, EC1V9LF.
The letter further detailed the cost needed for Mr. Njie’s poor vision as follows
Consultation fee: 350.00 pounds; Visual acuity assessment: 45.00 pounds; Optical coherence tomography: 249.00 pounds and Orthoptist fees (if applicable) Officials say, the sum of money must be paid on the day of consultation.
“If further outpatient tests and investigations are required, they will be charged at an additional rate. Your consultant’s Private Practice Manager Chloe will be happy to provide a quotation for these and for any treatment required,” it ends.
Therefore, Mr. Njie called on the Gambia government, non-governmental organization, philanthropists, and development partners to come to his aid urgently in order to save him from this horrible situation.
For any support, call Mr. Njie on 2336696, 5043077.