This Fall two young Jordanian brothers received critical vision surgeries thanks to Shiley’s Blind Baby Fund.

Two year-old Mousa Abulebah and his nine year-old brother Mustafa both inherited eye diseases that blinded their father. Since there was no help for them in their homeland of Jordan, they came to San Diego at the urging of their cousin, a San Diego resident.

Pediatric Ophthalmologist David B. Granet, M.D., Director of Shiley’s Abraham Ratner Children’s Eye Center, donated his skills necessary for the rare operations.

“Coincidentally, an Israeli connection is responsible for the care of these almost blind Jordanian brothers. Demonstrating that the reality of humanity transcends government polices and differences in faith,” shared Shiley Chairman Stuart I. Brown, M.D.

Support for other surgical costs and the children’s care came largely from Shiley Eye Center’s Blind Baby Fund, established in late 2000 by a New York based

Foundation in order to support the care for an Israeli baby. After witnessing the baby’s life changing results, made possible by the surgeries, the Foundation made the Fund available to all children in need. The Blind Baby Fund continues to grow through the generosity of Shiley patients who also desire to help children who otherwise would lead a life in darkness.

Though only two years old, Mousa, born with glaucoma in both eyes, had already lost much of his peripheral vision. While his operations could not restore his lost vision, they successfully arrested his glaucoma and should prevent any further loss of sight. Mustafa’s surgeries for cataracts in both eyes, enhanced his vision substantially.

Nabeeha Abulebah, the children’s mother, said it was hard to find words to express her appreciation, “I thank the doctors and the Blind Baby Fund for helping my children. Now they will not live their lives blinded, like their father.”

To make a tax-deductible gift to the Blind Baby Fund, call 858-534-8017.